To the editor:

This letter is in response to the Oct. 12 story about the Free State High School students who were arrested and charged in relation to the drag race Oct. 6 on Bob Billings Parkway.

The Mitsubishi Eclipse involved in the accident came to rest less than 20 feet from my back door.

Disturbingly, this accident is not the first to occur on this stretch of road. There have been several over the last year, with at least one resulting in a fatality. Even more disturbing is that it seems as if city officials are doing nothing to curtail the problem.

It is my understanding that the four-lane, dead end street was designed to eventually hook up with the South Lawrence Trafficway, which may never be completed. In the meantime, the stretch of Bob Billings Parkway west of Wakarusa Drive has become an area commonly known for drag racing. There are no speed bumps, no intersections and scant police presence.

This portion of Bob Billings Parkway bisects several residential areas and two elementary schools. Many families use the sidewalks with small children and pets in tow. Those families should not have to fear for their safety each time they take a walk. Furthermore, I should not have to fear that the next accident will send a car through my back door.

I urge the city of Lawrence to make the necessary changes to reduce speeding on the west end of Bob Billings Parkway and make the area safer for residents and law-abiding motorists.

Amy Logan,

Lawrence