Comments by Nathan Betzen

Commission District: U

I was reading through your proposed strategic plan for the county, and I'd like to make a suggestion that fits under both Public Works Goal 4 as well as Culture and Recreation Goal 3. Running from the city of Andale, through Colwich, into Maize, and all the way to the Sedgwick County Park, there is a train track that is mainly used for grain transportation. I'd like to suggest that the county target a small area along the entire length of that track, and turn it into a walking/biking thoroughfare for the local communities and for pro and semi-pro bikers. This would solve a few major issues in the northwest sedgwick county area: First, it would provide a long, uninterrupted trail for walking, running, and biking enthusiasts, and might provide an excellent space for high school activities such as Cross Country tournaments in Andale and Maize. Additionally, it would provide a means of entering the city of Wichita for local biking communities that doesn't require traveling on dangerous roadways, as well as connecting the many local communities with natural walking paths. Second, it would clear our current roadways of of bike enthusiasts, making for much safer travel for both bikers and people driving cars and trucks.