To the editor:

I have recently read and heard about a proposed bridge across 305 to link the residents of Vineyard Lane with Knechtel Road in Winslow. This is a surprisingly expensive project that would seem to benefit a relatively small population.

Currently, the residents of Vineyard Lane have a very fine pathway that runs south to Winslow Way, on which they are protected from highway traffic. In the near future, with the completion of the first phase of the bike path between the ferry and High School Road, they will be able to safely get across the highway at the north end of Winslow as well. This seems more than adequate.

I would propose that there are more important non-motorized improvements needed in Winslow that would benefit far more people. First and foremost would be safe sidewalk passage the length of Grow Avenue, from Winslow Way to High School Road. This long-established community now serves as one of the two main links between High School Road and Winslow Way or Wyatt Way (the other being Madison Avenue) and it is a major pedestrian walkway for youth attending school. The development of Grow Village, and the proposed infill development of over 15 homes between Madison and Nakata near Wallace, are both adding significant numbers of people who are walking , bicycling or driving on Grow Avenue. Investing in safe access for all of those walking on Grow would seem to be a higher safety priority than a bridge across the highway right in between two crosswalks where there are already existing traffic lights. Grow Avenue has no such safe crosswalks.

I encourage the city council to reconsider the bridge-over-305 project, and spend city funds in a way that benefits the greatest population of our island. Please write to your council representative about this project.

DEE DUMONT

Bainbridge Island