I am a resident who often takes morning walks off of Fletcher by the Hillsborough River, Temple Terrace, FL, where sidewalks are lacking. Each morning, I, like many in our community, am left with the choice of walking on an uneven, often wet and muddy verge, filled with ditches, or on the side of a street bustling with high volumes of traffic. Due to these conditions, I'm unable to safely take a walk with my children or use a stroller. It is not only inconvenient but also a serious hazard, particularly when visibility is low.

Our neighborhood's lack of sidewalks puts pedestrians at risk. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 13% of all traffic fatalities are pedestrians. The risk is particularly high for routes like ours that are heavily trafficked without a separate, safe pedestrian pathway.

This petition is not only about convenience, but also about the safety of our community members — our friends, family, neighbors, and everyone who walks along this route, particularly those with children. We need sidewalks on Fletcher by the Hillsborough River. The implementation of sidewalks will greatly enhance pedestrian safety, encouraging walking as a healthier and safer means of transportation, and making our community more pedestrian-friendly.

It's time to prioritize pedestrian safety. Please sign this petition to urge our local authorities to implement sidewalks on Fletcher by the Hillsborough River. Let's ensure our walks are safe, pleasant, and accessible to everyone in our community.