By ROBERT BOURQUE
Los Alamos

On May 24 I struck a boy on a bicycle at the roundabout in North Mesa. He was coming from Barranca. He received minor scrapes and is OK.

It was not possible to see this boy despite a witness claiming he had entered the intersection first. I first saw him only when he was darting in front of me, even though I had looked to the left more than once.

The reason is that my view of him was blocked by the roundabout itself. It has overgrown vegetation, large boulders, a mountain lion statue, and two evergreen trees whose branches reach the ground.

I have attached a photo, taken from my car as I entered the roundabout from San Ildefonso. It shows only the top of a large vehicle, never mind a small boy on a bike.

On June 13 I attended the Los Alamos County Council meeting and presented my concern to its members. They thanked me for bringing it to their attention.

Afterwards, I met with Mr. Juan Rael, the County Public Works Director. He acknowledged that the  roundabout is a potential issue and agreed to meet with me at a later date, which we did.

I told him that, in my opinion, all drivers need to clearly see all vehicles, including bikes. I pointed out that the other roundabout, encountered as one leaves town, is perfect. It is attractive; yet there is clear visibility. I suggested that it be an ideal template for reconstruction of the North Mesa one.

If done carefully, the lower branches of the trees can be removed. The mountain lion statue can be relocated to Ashley Pond, where many more could enjoy it. The boulders can be removed. And the overgrown vegetation can be cut back.

Safety always takes priority over beauty.

‘Photo taken from my car as I entered the roundabout from San Ildefonso. It shows only the top of a large vehicle, never mind a small boy on a bike.’ Photo by Robert Bourque