It’s fitting the article regarding the 32nd Street river trail bridge appeared the week of Martin Luther King’s birthday. In addition to his well-known work in the civil rights movement, King was also a proponent of accessibility in public places.
Notably missing from the discussion of the 32nd Street river bridge is how the current configuration discourages people with disabilities from using the forthcoming northern addition to the trail.
Parents with small children, the elderly, people rehabbing injuries, school groups and people with disabilities would all benefit from the bridge.
I heard arguments against the bridge based upon looks, cost, location and needs for bridges elsewhere. Each of the arguments distracts from the central theme, which is how to implement a continuous Animas River Trail which people of all backgrounds, for generations, can safely enjoy worry-free of vehicular traffic.
In recent years, two of my Colorado friends suffered separate bike-auto accidents: one died days later and another became permanently disabled, wheelchair-bound, and has trouble recognizing his family. Both cyclists had helmets and were obeying traffic rules. Both accidents were the result of distracted drivers. Combined, their medical bills exceed the proposed cost of the 32nd Street bridge.
Not only will the bridge welcome those with mobility issues, it will serve to prevent injuries and perhaps death to those taking a walk or a ride.
King said it best: “We are all ... tied into a single garment of destiny.” Please consider others and support the bridge.
David DillmanDurango
