Dear supporters,
It's been a while... but rest assured, we’ve been working steadily toward change. We’re not done yet, but we fully intend to succeed — because together, we are strong.
Thank you again for signing and sharing the petition to improve safety at the 6th Ave and 2nd St intersection near Herbert Spencer Elementary. Here are a few recent updates:
🔍 Near-Miss Study Tool Installed
As part of the city’s response, near-miss detection technology was installed at the intersection and data was collected over a one-week period. It happened to be a very quiet week — as (bad) luck would have it — but hopefully that won’t limit the usefulness of the data. We've been told the results will be reviewed, with information expected by the end of summer. We’re hopeful this will support thoughtful, evidence-informed decision-making.
🗣️ Requesting a Seat at the Table
We’ve learned that a consultation group has been brought in by the city to review this intersection. We've formally requested to be included in that process and are working to connect with the group in the coming weeks. Our goal is to ensure that community perspectives and lived experience are part of the recommendations. We want to be part of the solution — and remain available and flexible to meet with the city at any time.
📊 New Data Highlights Ongoing Safety Concerns
Two publicly available sources confirm this location continues to be a site of concern:
The City of New Westminster’s 2023 Network Screening Study documented that there are approx. 1,218 intersections across the city.
Separately, according to the ICBC Lower Mainland Crash Dashboard, the 6th Ave & 2nd St intersection ranked within the top 25 (tied for 25th) in New Westminster for reported crashes in 2024. Wow!
Based on my personal review of that ICBC data, this appears to be the highest-ranked intersection located directly in front of a school in the city. Please, correct me if I am wrong.
🚒 Recent Collisions
Sadly, collisions continue. A lowlight: During the week of May 30, 2025, three separate crashes occurred at this location (two in the same day). One involved deployed airbags and a terrified baby being removed from a vehicle by a bystander, while the mother — still cushioned by her airbag — struggled to get out. Fire, ambulance, and/or police responded to each incident. While no major injuries were reported, these events understandably raised concerns among families, school staff, and nearby residents.
As always, neighbours ran out to offer help — bringing water, comfort, and compassion to those involved. This is a residential neighbourhood, after all — not a major arterial intersection, highway or bridge on/off ramp, or commercial zone. The level of risk here simply doesn’t fit the setting.
✍️ Petition Support Continues to Grow
We’re approaching 2,000 signatures, with many community members sharing their own stories and concerns. Every signature helps amplify our message. If you haven’t already, please consider sharing the petition again:
👉 https://www.change.org/p/improve-safety-at-elementary-school-crosswalk-6th-ave-2nd-st-new-west
I’ll continue to share updates as we engage with the consultation group and monitor the city’s next steps. Thank you again for your support — and for helping to advocate for a safer route to school in our community.
Warmly,
Lyndsay Cotterall