When my daughter started kindergarten, walking her home from school became a cherished part of our daily routine. We would stroll along the streets of our community in Kelowna, enjoying the fresh air and the simple act of walking together. However, my joy quickly turned into fear when I realized just how dangerous the existing bike lane on Sexsmith and Valley Road truly is.

Every day, we observed cars speeding down the road, seemingly oblivious to the fact that a bike lane even exists. These close encounters have been more than a mere occasional occurrence—they are a dangerous, consistent problem that has persisted for many years.

This is a call to action. The city of Kelowna must prioritize the safety of its residents by installing a barrier or widening the bike lane on Sexsmith and Valley Road. Safety should never be compromised. According to a report from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, buffers or barriers in bike lanes significantly reduce the risk of collisions between vehicles and pedestrians or cyclists.

Widening the bike lanes or installing protective barriers would make our streets safer for everyone—parents walking their children to school, cyclists commuting to work, and the elderly who cherish their independence by walking. Such infrastructure upgrades are not mere luxuries but necessities in maintaining the safety and well-being of the community.

Let's push for change together. By signing this petition, you are standing with us to ensure that the paths our children and loved ones travel daily are made safe. Let's urge the city authorities to acknowledge the problem and take swift, effective action. 

Sign to tell Mayor and Council: that we need a safer place to walk on Sexsmith Road