Every day, I witness countless individuals taking risks by crossing Tustin Street near Village Town Center without a proper crosswalk. Among them are friends, neighbors, and loved ones who are forced to navigate six lanes of traffic without a safe passage, simply due to insufficient parking options on one side of the street. This is a pressing issue that endangers the wellbeing of pedestrians in our community.

Tustin Street is a busy thoroughfare in Orange, California, constantly bustling with high-speed traffic. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, pedestrian accidents are a significant concern, with nearly 1,000 fatalities and thousands more injuries reported in recent years statewide. Here, in our own backyard, the absence of a designated crosswalk exacerbates this risk, leaving pedestrians to dodge vehicles and rely on the drivers’ attentiveness—a gamble that should never be necessary.

Adding a crosswalk at the intersection of Tustin Street and Village Town Center would provide a secure means for pedestrians to cross, drastically reducing the risk of accidents. This solution is both practical and attainable, requiring cooperation from our local government and traffic authorities to implement necessary traffic signals and signs to ensure drivers' awareness of the new pedestrian crossing.

This project also aligns with broader city initiatives aimed at promoting pedestrian safety and walkability. An added crosswalk will not only protect pedestrians but also enhance the area's appeal, making it a thriving, safer community hub for shopping, dining, and social activities.

By signing this petition, you join a collective voice advocating for the safety and health of our community members. Let's urge the City of Orange to take immediate action in installing a much-needed crosswalk for the safety of all. Stand with us in protecting lives and improving our city infrastructure. Please sign and share this petition to amplify our call for a safer community. Thank you for your support!