In his letter published Dec. 13, Kenneth Albert proposes solving the difficulty of accommodating motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists in downtown Northampton by essentially banning bicycles. He is 100% right that getting rid of one of the modes of transportation would make planning simpler.
In his spirit of solving problems by chopping them off, I would propose getting rid of the highly dangerous, Johnny-come-lately automobiles. Walking and bicycling pre-date driving, and are much less likely to get anyone killed. They also take up far less room, and would allow for a much prettier downtown.
In his own letter, Mr. Albert neatly provides the answer to any motorists who might object: “Providing [parking lots] in strategic locations will allow [motorists] traveling downtown to then walk from either end of the downtown and enjoy the downtown on foot. [Roads] to bypass Main Street can be designed for those thru-[motorists].” Problem solved.
RIchard Weis
Florence