My friend was hit by a car on the way to school—a tragic incident that could have been avoided with better infrastructure in place. This unfortunate event has made it increasingly clear that we need to express our concerns and bring about change to protect our community's students.

Every day, numerous students travel to and from school using modes of transport like bikes or on foot, often navigating busy streets with limited safeguards. According to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, bicycle accidents in urban areas have been increasing, with intersections posing significant risk. In Lowell, MA, the hazard is real and requires prompt attention.

Currently, the city has a few bike lanes, but their coverage is inadequate for ensuring the safety of all student bikers. Many roads lack designated lanes, forcing students to share dangerous transit ways with motor vehicles. This situation demands immediate expansion of dedicated bike lanes throughout school routes.

Moreover, the presence of cross guards at critical crossings near schools can play a vital role in protecting young pedestrians. They act not only as a physical barrier but also guide students, helping to instill pedestrian safety awareness. The American Automobile Association notes that cross guards greatly reduce the likelihood of accidents involving school children.

The goal of this petition is clear and straightforward: we urge the City Council of Lowell, MA, to prioritize the safety of our students by implementing more bike lanes and cross guards. With these changes, we can potentially prevent future accidents and, importantly, give parents peace of mind knowing their children have a safer route to school.

Join us in this critical endeavor to safeguard our children’s daily journeys. Your signature can help bring about proactive and concrete changes to our city’s infrastructure. Let’s stand together and demand safer roads for our students' daily commutes. Sign the petition today to make a difference.