Signing helps, but real change happens when residents also speak directly to the Mayor, City Council, and Engineering Department—please consider reaching out.

On December 6, 2025, a serious pedestrian collision happened at the intersection of 2nd Street & 3rd Avenue in New Westminster. A local resident was hit by a vehicle while legally crossing at a 4-way stop and has been hospitalized since. He may never fully recover.

This wasn’t a freak accident. Speeding and pedestrian safety have been long-standing concerns along 2nd Street and nearby residential streets, despite posted 30 km/h limits. Turning vehicles frequently fail to fully stop or notice pedestrians. Many neighbors have raised concerns for years. More than one neighbor has said, "I knew someone was going to get hit here one day," and "That street really needs to change."

These concerns are not limited to one block. Just three blocks away, at 2nd Street & 6th Avenue, parents and residents launched a separate petition focused on school-zone safety. That petition has already gathered 2,000+ signatures, driven by repeated near-misses, crashes, and serious risks to children, seniors, and people with disabilities. Together, these efforts point to a broader issue: pedestrian safety along the 2nd Street corridor needs a thorough, city-level review.

What we’re asking for

We’re asking the City of New Westminster to thoroughly review pedestrian safety on 2nd Street and nearby residential streets in this neighborhood, and to take practical, preventative action to reduce risk.

As examples, potential measures could include:

1. Pedestrian activated flashing beacons.
2. Clearer or expanded pedestrian crossing markings.
3. Speed feedback signs or warning systems.
4. Improved signage, lighting, and visibility.
5. Traffic-calming or other measures appropriate for emergency routes. Similar measures already exist nearby because they work, and this stretch of 2nd Street deserves the same level of attention.

We are not traffic engineers. These examples are meant to show that options exist. The specific solutions should be determined through a proper safety review that considers emergency access, traffic patterns, and pedestrian risk. What matters most is that the City takes this issue seriously, reviews conditions along 2nd Street and surrounding intersections, and acts before another preventable injury occurs.

If you live, walk, drive, or spend time in this area — or if you believe streets should be safe for everyone — please sign and support this petition.

Signing helps, but real change happens when residents also speak directly to the Mayor, City Council, and Engineering Department—please consider reaching out.