Mr. Mahatma: I wrote in a couple of years ago about a traffic circle for the wonderful intersection of Kavanaugh Boulevard, Pine Valley and McKinley Street. There was a public meeting in the neighborhood and then ... nothing. Was it not feasible? Maybe because it would put a body shop out of business? -- Help Me Out Here
Dear Help: Given the remark about the body shop, you may be a cynic. Definition shortly.
Our information comes from city spokesman Jennifer Godwin, via Jon Honeywell, the public works director.
The city is in the final process of acquiring right of way for the project. After the rights of way are secured, utility relocation will commence. Anticipated construction bidding is early this summer.
Now, about the definition of a cynic. Ambrose Bierce defined cynic in his book, The Devil's Dictionary. It has shortened over time to this: A cynic is someone who sees the world as it really is.
Dear Mahatma: While traveling in Kansas and Nebraska I experienced two-lane highways with grooves in the centerline like we have on the shoulders. It really gets your attention when you cross the centerline. Has Arkansas given any consideration to adding centerline grooves to its two-lane highways? -- Jim
Dear Jim: The Mahatma has encountered some centerline grooves, including on Arkansas 74 to Jasper and Arkansas 7 to Russellville. Yes, they do get your attention.
The Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department reports that it is installing shoulder grooves on some highways even as we speak, and centerline grooves have been put on part of U.S. 278 in Drew County.
Last week's rumination on bicycles and whether they should be licensed elicited memories for some folks.
Pat Ferry wrote in to say he still has his bicycle license, and receipt, from the 1950s. The licensing agency was the city of Muskogee, Okla.
Tom Pullam sent along a photo of a 1972 bicycle license from New Orleans. Six bucks, he said, but a bicyclist only had to buy it once. The plate is blue with a star and crescent. Plate number was 83415. Not as good as a vanity plate, but not bad, either.
Best recollection comes from Joanne Holland. She lived for a while in a small town in Wisconsin. The town required all bicycles to be licensed and inspected. Bikes had to have a bell or horn, a light and reflectors or reflective tape. Volunteers would tighten chains and brakes, replace light bulbs and apply tape.
The inspections were done in the summer in a city park, next to which was an A&W root beer stand.
"Most people would go there for hot dogs and root beer floats, then stay at the park and make a day of it," she wrote.
"I know it can't happen here," she added, "but I really wish everyone could have a day like that."
Perhaps there is such a day like that around here. If so, people, pass that information here.
Mahatma@arkansasonline.com
Metro on 03/26/2016