The article "Bring back my sidewalk" by Mahmoud Ahmad (Nov. 4) underlines a small but important aspect of city planning. I support what he says about the lack of sidewalks in Jeddah. Furthermore, city planners have to take into account such things as available foot baths for people as well as sinks and clean toilet facilities. There are much to do, much to do! Roxana R, Online response II. As it is, we could only improve the current pavements by filling in planters. Most holes on the sidewalks have no plants or trees in them, they are just full of rubbish. These holes, which are placed every few meters apart, also make it hard to walk on the pavement and if you have a pushcart or wheelchair, forget it, there is not enough room to pass. As a matter of safety, you have to walk facing the oncoming traffic and advise your children to do so, too. SK Nassif, Online response III. Come to Yanbu Industrial City. The city is designed just right for walkers. Steve, Online response IV. The problem is that those who are responsible for designing urban areas live in secure compounds. They enjoy the privileges of living in such compounds where they can walk safely and don't suffer the consequences of having to walk on the city streets. Ramon Mohamed, Online response
