To the editor:

In his Sept. 15 letter, Gary Webber states “Kasold Drive between Eighth and 14th streets needs to go on a diet.” This is the standard from the so-called Smart Growth folks. Their “Complete Streets” policy establishes a transportation system that encourages walking, bicycling and transit use, to improve health and reduce environmental impacts, while simultaneously promoting safety for all users of streets.

Is this the only way to accomplish these noble goals? NO! We can leave Kasold as it is, Option 2, without a traffic signal at Harvard and Kasold, which is currently a four-way stop. Let’s add a shared-use path (SUP) that is 10 feet wide and separated from motorized vehicular traffic by an open space or barrier on the east side of Kasold Drive from Eighth to 14th. Shared-use paths may be used by pedestrians, skaters, wheelchair users, joggers and other non-motorized users. Presently Douglas County uses shared-use paths on several streets.

Webber talked about building a single-lane roundabout at the intersection of Kasold and Harvard Road to be safe and efficient. It is not needed. According to Transportation 2040 the number of pedestrian and bicycle accidents that have occurred on Kasold from 2008 to 2012 is one or two bicycles and zero pedestrians. I have lived within three blocks of Kasold and Harvard for over 30 years and have never seen an accident at that intersection with auto, bicycle or pedestrian. Visit with your city commissioners and ask them to leave Kasold as it is.