Relatively inexpensive sidewalks are to be installed on Southwest 104th adjacent to Arbor Height Elementary School and that is the good news. Less than good news is the fact that bureaucratic gobbely-gook is slowing the chance for sidewalks around Sanislo School.

We are told that the Arbor Heights sidewalk project will be in two parts, each costing about $35,000. The first part will start soon and the second half will be done "next year." Some drainage work slowed the project, to be paid for by voter-approved "Bridging the Gap" transportation funds.

Sanilso Elementary has been designated by the Safe Routes to School program as needing pedestrian infrastructue. So what is the hold up? The project manager for the Safe Routes to School group says Sanislo is a priority but needs to be evaluated with other schools "in dire need of infrastructure help."

Many schools outside the central parts of Seattle are either without sidewalks entirely or partially. This simply is wrong and need to be addressed directly and without the slow speed the city often shows to our community.

We are spending a lot of money on bike lanes and feel-good measures like "Sharrows," but it seem to take forever for simple measure to protect of kids from cars whizzing along our streets. While bikers are definitely in need of protection and of consideration, we think school kids walking to school are a mich higher priority. Let's postpone the expensive Sharrows and bike lanes and get with sidewalks for kids.

- Jack Mayne