As residents who greatly value our local businesses by the Fairfield Hotel on Davenport in Blaine, we have noticed a severe lack of pedestrian safety measures in this increasingly bustling area. I am personally invested in this issue, as I often find myself and other soccer enthusiasts risking our lives to make it to our beloved local businesses. 

In our pursuit of sports, fitness and camaraderie, many of us consistently traverse this patch around the Fairfield Hotel, and each time we risk our safety for lack of a designated, safe pedestrian crossing. A pedestrian bridge or crosswalk would offer everyone a safer route over to local businesses, benefitting residents, visitors, and businesses alike.

According to the Department of Transportation, between 2008 and 2017, drivers killed 49,340 people who were walking on streets across the United States (National Association of City Transportation Officials). Though we lack specific, hard data for Blaine, MN, it's not hard to extrapolate that our town is also at risk of contributing to these sobering statistics if we do not improve pedestrian safety measures. A crosswalk or bridge in the area would significantly lessen these potential hazards.

We, the local community of Blaine; soccer players, sports lovers, and concerned citizens- call on the city council to implement a crosswalk or pedestrian bridge by the Fairfield Hotel on Davenport. Join us in ensuring our journey to support local businesses is as secure as it is heartfelt. We encourage you to sign this petition and let our shared voices be heard.