Hello, I'm Regan, and like many teens in Hockessin, I love spending time with my friends, playing sports, and being active. One of our favorite places to hang out is the Delcastle Recreational Park. Unfortunately, getting there isn't always easy or safe for us. We're too young to drive, and it's not always feasible to ask our parents for rides, especially when they have work commitments.

While biking is an option, the current infrastructure makes it difficult and relatively unsafe to travel to each other's houses or to parks without dedicated walking and biking pathways. This issue doesn't just affect me and my friends but impacts all young residents who want to enjoy the outdoors and commute safely and efficiently within our community.

It's time to reach out to New Castle County and advocate for the investment in more walking and biking pathways using some funds from the newly adopted AFV rule. By doing so, we can provide a safer environment, reduce traffic congestion, and promote healthier lifestyles, encouraging more teens like me to enjoy outdoor activities safely.

Building more pathways in our town would not only make it safer for young people but also cater to adults who prefer biking or walking as sustainable transportation means. Proper infrastructure can greatly improve community health, enhance social interactions, and even boost local businesses as more people opt for environmentally-friendly transportation.

According to a study published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 6,000 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in the United States in 2018. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also highlight the benefits of walking and biking, such as reducing the risk of heart disease, managing weight, and improving overall mental health. Providing safe passageways directly contributes to these public health benefits.

Let's make Hockessin a leader in sustainable and safe transportation by asking New Castle County to prioritize these developments. Your signature can bring attention to this need and help transform our aspirations of safer, more accessible transportation into reality. Please sign my petition to help us make a difference for every young person and community member in Hockessin, DE. Thank you!

[Call to action: Please sign this petition!]