In June of this year, my boyfriend Thomas Markham was hit by a car while riding his bike in front of L.A. Bakery on Curry Street, a place that is too familiar with such incidents. This heartbreaking event has left a mark on our community, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced pedestrian safety in Carson City, especially on Carson Street and Curry Street. These streets are not just roads; they connect locals and tourists alike to our vibrant array of museums, small businesses, and charming eateries. However, they have also become dangerous places for pedestrians due to speeding vehicles and inadequate safety measures.

Statistics and community feedback reinforce the critical nature of this issue. Pedestrian traffic in this area has significantly increased due to the draw of local tourism and community businesses, yet the necessary safety infrastructure has not kept pace. According to city reports, there have been numerous pedestrian-related accidents, and these are not just numbers but stories like that of Thomas, each affecting real people with loved ones.

We propose the city of Carson City take immediate action to transform Carson Street and Curry Street into designated pedestrian safety areas, stretching from in front of the Nevada State Museum to Tenth Street. Key steps include installing additional crosswalks at strategic locations, increasing street lighting to ensure visibility, and implementing more flashing pedestrian crossing warning signals to alert drivers. These measures have been proven to reduce the risk of accidents significantly.

Furthermore, an increase in fines for traffic violations, especially those involving pedestrian crosswalks, could deter reckless driving. Other cities with similar tourist and small-business foot traffic have successfully implemented these strategies, leading to substantial declines in pedestrian injuries and fatalities. For example, cities like Boulder and Santa Fe have seen noticeable improvements in safety after installing enhanced warning systems and stricter enforcement.

We cannot wait for another tragedy to act. Our community deserves streets where families and friends can walk, bike, and explore safely and without fear. Let's come together to make our voices heard and press the city authorities to prioritize these changes promptly.

Please sign this petition to urge the Carson City Council to implement these essential safety measures. Together, we can build a safer community for everyone.