Every morning and afternoon, students attending Cuba Independent Schools, as well as pedestrians, are faced with a daunting and unsafe journey along Sandoval County Road 13 and New Mexico State Highway 126. Without sidewalks or adequate lighting, individuals are forced to either trek through mud when the weather is unkind or, even more perilously, walk along a narrow and dim road shoulder. This lack of infrastructure not only compromises the safety of our children but also poses a significant risk to all community members who rely on these routes daily.

Currently, neither Sandoval County Road 13 nor New Mexico State Highway 126 offer safe pedestrian paths connecting our local schools with the rest of town. The absence of sidewalks means that students have no choice but to walk on a dangerous slope—an issue that can be rectified. The need for proper lighting on these roads cannot be overstated. In the early hours of the morning or as dusk falls, visibility is drastically reduced, exacerbating the dangers of navigating these busy roads on foot.

The risks are evident. According to [National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/ the likelihood of pedestrian accidents increases significantly in areas lacking proper pedestrian infrastructure. It is imperative that we act now to prevent potential accidents and ensure our we are prioritizing the safety of our citizens.

We are calling upon the local governmental authorities to take immediate action by installing sidewalks and enhancing the lighting on both Sandoval County Road 13 and New Mexico State Highway 126 connecting Cuba Independent Schools with Main Street Cuba. This change will not only safeguard our current community members but will promote future growth and confidence in our public infrastructure.

Enhancing pedestrian pathways and road lighting are feasible solutions that will significantly reduce the risk of accidents and potentially save lives. Safer roads lead to stronger communities, and with your support, we can urge the Sandoval County officials and the State of New Mexico to prioritize these improvements.

Please join us in our efforts to create a safer environment for our children and the community as a whole. Your signature can contribute to making the much-needed changes a reality. Sign this petition today to champion safety and infrastructure improvements on Sandoval County Road 13 and New Mexico State Highway 126.