One recent afternoon, during a lunch break with my coworker, we decided to walk to Starbucks, which is located across Manchester Avenue near Prairie. As we approached the intersection at Manchester and Prairie, we faced a worrying realization: the sidewalk was closed due to construction on the southeast corner. Neglected paths forced us to figure out how to cross the street safely, but without a crosswalk or visible pedestrian signs, it was astonishingly unsafe.

This personal experience sparked concern for our community. On the way back,  as we returned to work, we encountered an elderly woman in the same predicament. She attempted to visit the nearby Sizzler's, but had no safe option but to cross in the middle of the street to avoid walking close to the moving traffic where a sidewalk once was. Her struggle to maneuver across Manchester Avenue alarmed us. My coworker and I decided to assist her, but despite our efforts, we couldn’t shake the feeling of vulnerability as vehicles sped past without making room for those on foot.

This is not just about an inconvenience; it’s about safety and accessibility for all pedestrians who navigate this area daily. With continual construction obstructing pedestrian pathways, we need a solution that guarantees safe passage across busy roads. The installation of a crosswalk at the intersection of Manchester and Osage would significantly reduce the risk for pedestrians, including less able-bodied individuals, children, and local workers.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, pedestrian fatalities account for 17% of all traffic-related deaths. Our streets should not force residents to gamble their safety with impromptu and unsafe crossings. Implementing a designated crosswalk with clear signage and possibly pedestrian signals could ensure a safer environment for everyone.

We urge the local council and authorities responsible for community safety to install a crosswalk at Manchester and Osage immediately. This simple but crucial addition could prevent accidents and save lives, providing peace of mind to those who walk our streets.

Let's act now to make this change for the safety of our community members. Please sign this petition and let your voice be heard to effect this necessary safety measure.