On a seemingly ordinary morning, a heart-stopping event unfolded for our family. On his way to MB Sanford Elementary School, my son, while riding his bike, was struck by a vehicle at the intersection of 74th Avenue and Todd Crescent in Surrey, British Columbia. Fortunately, he escaped with minor injuries, but it was a terrifying reminder of the dangers posed by this unmarked crossing.

This particular intersection is more than just a crossing point on a map. It is a daily path for numerous children and caregivers who walk or bike to reach the nearby school. The lack of a designated crosswalk at this high-traffic pedestrian area puts the lives of our children and community members at risk every day.

The City of Surrey prides itself on building safe and inclusive communities, which is why we must urge the local government to take immediate action to install a marked crosswalk at the corner of 74th Avenue and Todd Crescent. This small yet significant infrastructure change could prevent potential accidents and ensure the safety of all pedestrians who navigate this busy crossing.

Statistics show that marked crosswalks improve the safety of an intersection significantly. According to the Federal Highway Administration, pedestrian accidents can be reduced by up to 40% with the installation of a crosswalk. By providing a safe passage, we not only protect our children but also encourage more families to adopt healthier lifestyles through walking and biking.

We ask the City of Surrey to conduct an urgent review and recognize the need for a crosswalk to prevent further incidents like what happened to my son. Let us prioritize pedestrian safety and make our community safer for everyone, especially our children who are our most vulnerable citizens.

Please support this petition for a marked crosswalk at 74th Avenue and Todd Crescent. Sign now to advocate for the safety of our loved ones and pave the way for safe journeys to school and beyond. Together, we can make a meaningful change in our community.