We've lived here since 1970 and have had few close neighbors – we were generally surrounded by open fields. We certainly have not had many children. Trick or Treaters have never visited.
But in recent years the fields across the street, on a hill, have been replaced with new homes squeezed into the open lots. This has changed our neighborhood. Because of the hill and the distance we have not gotten to know most of our new neighbors. But it is easy to watch them from our living room.
This has caused us some discomfort as we've watched their children who appear to be of middle school age. They tear around on their bikes without helmets. They speed down the driveways and onto the busy street while cars speed by, much faster than the posted speed limit. Close calls are common. The hills are probably fun, but dangerous. No serious accidents have happened – at least not yet, Hopefully - never.
And when they are done racing they just drop their bikes on their lawn and leave them there.
