Back in May 2015, my best friend became a statistic in a tragic accident that should never have happened. Riding her bicycle home one evening along the dip between Clay and Saint Marks Street in Redding, CA, she was struck by multiple vehicles, including a diesel truck. Her life was senselessly taken, her body dragged to one of the most perilous spots in our community. This area, specifically around Lake Blvd and St Marks St, is notorious for being fraught with danger, causing heartbreak for many other families who have lost loved ones.

This perilous stretch has claimed too many lives, and action must be taken immediately to prevent further tragedies. This petition calls on the city council to prioritize the installment of a series of nine lighting solutions along this hazardous area. Additionally, implementation of a four-way stop sign or a blinking light at the intersection of Saint Marks St and Lake Blvd is crucial for drastically improving road safety.

Statistics underline the urgent need for these changes. According to the Redding Traffic Safety Report, this intersection is among the top high-risk zones with excessive pedestrian and cyclist fatalities annually. Local reports confirm repeated incidents occurring due to inadequate lighting and signaling, emphasizing the criticality and timeliness of this intervention.

Improved street lighting will enhance visibility for both drivers and pedestrians, reducing the risk of accidents substantially. Intersections like Saint Marks and Lake Blvd deserve immediate attention as they are hot zones for traffic mishaps predominantly due to poor visibility and absent traffic-calming devices.

This initiative is not an overreach or an unwarranted expense; it is a necessity and must be considered a critical safety measure required to safeguard our community. We need all Redding residents and those commuting through these roads to lend their voices to this cause. Your support can push city officials to act swiftly and save lives.

Sign this petition to demand urgent action for the safety of the community—one signature can make the difference needed to prevent any more lives being lost. Together, we can light up this path and stop the heartbreak before it happens again.