Dear Editor:

About the prospective roundabout at Rives Avenue and Quill Drive:

Apparently, the purpose of such a roundabout is to marginally speed up the flow of traffic.

Not having been privy to the design, one would assume such a roundabout would have a circular concrete planter in the middle of the intersection for the cars to drive around. Since the cars will not be coming to a full stop, it would seem to put pedestrians at greater risk. Quite a few people walk through the intersection on their way to Apollo Park.

Furthermore, there are more than a few people in wheelchairs, due to the close proximity of the Rancho Los Amigos Hospital Center. People in wheelchairs have a lower profile, consequently they are at greater risk.

Another factor could be that Downey Fire Department’s ladder truck could have greater difficulty negotiating a turn through such a roundabout.

I’m in favor of progress, but safety should be of paramount importance.

Jack Russell
Downey