Our Batavia community has suffered two unspeakable and avoidable tragedies in one short week. We lost a mother/wife/friend who was trying to return home after a bike ride in Les Arends Forest Preserve last week. Yesterday (May 31), a child was struck by a vehicle while crossing Rte. 31 at Union street. Countless others have been injured trying to safely cross Rte. 31 prior to this week. We simply cannot allow this to happen anymore.

These tragedies are avoidable. For the Millview intersection, Batavia investigated pedestrian safety improvements and received grant funds to make improvements throughout the town. IDOT only approved sidewalk, striping and signage improvements. IDOT refused to approve any other options that would have allowed for enhanced safety. This is a tragic failing for our community,

We have the opportunity to build on the current momentum to get the road diet fast tracked. Let's turn our grief to action and make changes to prevent future tragedies. We need to make our roads safer for our community and families. We need IDOT to hear that these changes need to be made NOW and not 2-3 years from now. 

Please sign this petition to show local leaders that citizens of Batavia demand change and demand IDOT accelerates this much needed road diet plan. We can't afford to lose or hurt any more members of our amazing Batavia community.