Every morning, I watch children navigate the busy streets of our neighborhood, on their way to the bus stop, without the protection of a sidewalk. It's a nerve-wracking experience knowing that their safety is at risk simply because there is no designated walking path.

While the majority of The Villages of Elkhorn Green has sidewalks, there are some distinct gaps in that coverage. A major one is on the block between Rabbit Run Road and Whitman Way. 

I believe the lack of sidewalk there is most likely due to it being the boundary between Elkhorn Green and it's neighbor, Adena Ridge. However, children from both neighborhoods walk to the bus stop at the corner of Fox Run and Rabbit Run, without the benefit of a sidewalk.

Our community is bustling with traffic during school hours. With no sidewalk on this block, it forces children to walk on the streets. This puts them in harm's way, as drivers may not always be vigilant enough to spot young kids making their way to and from their school bus stop. It is especially dangerous during Daylight Savings, when youngsters are standing at the bus stop in the dark. And when residents park their vehicles along the curb, it forces the children to walk even farther out into the street.

The absence of this sidewalk doesn't just put our children at risk but impacts the overall safety and livability of our neighborhood. Sidewalks are not just a convenience; they are a necessity for pedestrian safety, especially for our kids. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, pedestrian fatalities among children have shown a noticeable increase in areas lacking proper walking paths.

Our neighborhood needs the protection that this sidewalk can offer. By creating a safe pathway, we can prevent accidents and ensure that our children can walk to the stop without fear. Installing sidewalks will not only safeguard our children but also increase the sense of community, encouraging more neighborhood strolls and interactions.

Let's appeal to our local government and community leaders to prioritize the safety of our children by adding this sidewalk in our neighborhood. We can create a safer environment where residents like me don't need to worry every morning as we see kids walk outside our door.

Please join me in asking for immediate action from our city planners and council members to fund and construct this sidewalk in our community. Sign this petition to support a safer, child-friendly neighborhood. Your signature can make a difference in protecting our kids.