Why destroy Laketown's bridge?

[The Sixth Wizard]

I'd think that Smaug wouldn't want to land on the walkways around Laketown because of their possible flimsiness and the likelihood of him falling in or touching the water. At least he knew that the bridge could hold heavy objects that were carted across every day...

It may also be *gasp* not a very good picture...

[Rikae]

Originally Posted by The Sixth Wizard

I'd think that Smaug wouldn't want to land on the walkways around Laketown because of their possible flimsiness and the likelihood of him falling in or touching the water. At least he knew that the bridge could hold heavy objects that were carted across every day...

He probably could also maneuver much more carefully on foot than he could in landing - so, land on solid ground and walk across the bridge.

[Macalaure]

Originally Posted by The Sixth Wizard

It may also be *gasp* not a very good picture...

Apart from the problems already mentioned, note that in the text Tolkien talks of bridges, while this Laketown only possesses one. The prof probably didn't have pedantic accuracy in mind when he drew this.

[Rikae]

Originally Posted by Macalaure

Apart from the problems already mentioned, note that in the text Tolkien talks of bridges, while this Laketown only possesses one. The prof probably didn't have pedantic accuracy in mind when he drew this.

Indeed (that's my point in babbling about "10 feet above ground level" etc.)
I love Tolkien's illustrations - their style and feel is delightful - but this wouldn't be the first time one seemed to make something in the text impossible (I can't remember which, but I know I've looked at one of his drawings before and thought "but that's not accurate! It's not like that in the book!")