My daughter, along with many other students, has been run off the road numerous times since the school boundary changed. The lack of a safe bike path on Stittsville Main has put our Sacred Heart students in danger as they are unable to take the school bus.

Stittsville, Ottawa is home to vibrant communities and schools like Sacred Heart. However, our children's safety is compromised due to inadequate infrastructure for cyclists. According to Transport Canada, between 2009 and 2018 there were an average of 74 cyclist fatalities per year in Canada (Transport Canada). This statistic highlights the urgent need for safer cycling routes across our country. This statistic doesn't include the number of people left with short-term or permanent injuries from cycling accidents.

We urge local authorities in Ottawa to prioritize this issue and establish a dedicated bike path on Stittsville Main. This will not only protect our children but also promote healthier commuting habits among them.

In 2020, Glen Gower released a Discussion Paper (see page 6)   listing bike paths as a priority for development along Stittsville Main. In May of 2022, a Recommended Public Realm Plan was released that bore no mention of adding these bike paths to improve the safety of cyclists.

Please join us in advocating for the safety of our children by signing this petition today to get safe bike paths implemented. Let's ensure that no child feels unsafe while riding their bicycle to school again!