As someone who enjoys walking as a form of exercise and leisure, I find myself confronting a significant barrier in our city – the lack of sidewalks. Living in Lake Charles, Louisiana, I've experienced firsthand how challenging it is to walk safely in our community. Not only do I prefer walking for my health and well-being, but I also rely on it for transportation.

Currently, walking to work or even simply enjoying a stroll through our neighborhoods is a risky endeavor due to the absence of sidewalks. This is not only my concern but a pressing issue that affects many residents in Lake Charles. Sidewalks are not just a convenience-they're a safety issue.  Families, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities are all disadvantaged due to the lack of suitable pedestrian pathways. Not everyone has reliable transportation, and residents should be able to safely walk to schools, stores, parks, churches, or bus stops without risking their safety. 

The absence of sidewalks limits our options for safe and active transportation, increases the risk of accidents, and discourages community interactions. Oftentimes, we see locals walking or biking along the shoulders of busy roads, and where sidewalks could exist, there are ditches instead. Cities with pedestrian-friendly infrastructures have been shown to foster healthier, more vibrant, and connected communities. According to the American Planning Association, pedestrian infrastructure investments can increase community cohesion and contribute to a decrease in traffic incidents by up to 40% (American Planning Association - pedestrian Safety Guide). 

According to America's Health Ranking, the state of Louisiana is ranked as the unhealthiest state with 27.6% of adults in the state are physically inactive. While there are other environmental factors that contribute to this number state-wide- by adding sidewalks, we can encourage fitness and improve overall quality of life. Sidewalks aren't just about safety either- they're also an investment in our local economy. When people can safely walk through a community, they're more likely to visit local shops, restaurants and businesses. A walkable area encourages people to spend more time in town rather than simply driving through it. Many of us take pride in supporting local businesses. Sidewalks help make that possible by creating safe and convenient access for residents, families, and visitors. improving pedestrian infrastructure can increase foot traffic, strengthen connections between businesses and customers, and contribute to a more vibrant community.

Additionally, a report from the National Complete Streets Coalition suggests that for every dollar invested in pedestrian infrastructure, communities see a return in public savings through improved safety and health outcomes, which also boosts local economies. It’s high time we prioritize the safety and well-being of Lake Charles residents by investing in pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.

We can propose the city council allocate funds to build sidewalks in our neighborhoods, focusing initially on areas with higher foot traffic and near schools, parks, and workplaces. Partnering with local businesses and organizations to support this initiative can further accelerate its execution.

I urge you to join me in calling for more sidewalks in Lake Charles. By signing this petition, we are voicing our need for a safer, more accessible, and interconnected community. Let's make Lake Charles a place where everyone can walk safely and enjoy our city to the fullest potential! Please sign and share this petition to make a difference.