Install a Crosswalk at Walnut Street Intersection near Cary High School
The Issue
Cary High School is located near Walnut Street, a busy intersection that sees several cars day by day. Prior to the 2024-2025 school year, some improvements were made, such as the installation of a HAWK beacon near the main entrance + crosswalk signals, the installation of bike lanes near the school, and installed audible crosswalk signals at the intersection of Cary Towne Blvd. and Walnut Street. These improvements have been especially helpful for those who like to use bikes as transportation and less work for having a crossing guard.
Despite these changes, however, during dismissal, I have seen students crossing Walnut Street at Jimmy Burns Way despite their being the crosswalk at Walnut and Cary Towne Blvd AND the HAWK beacon near the school entrance. In addition, students are walking in front of vehicles that are exiting or entering at the entrance of Jimmy Burns Way, specifically near the smaller crosswalk leading to the church near Cary High School. This is occurring between 2:18 and 2:30 PM, mainly on school days (Mon-Fri). The area where they are crossing is attached in the photo above.
I am concerned about a potential accident occurring with the cars and the students. If an accident were to occur, it doesn't just affect the student involved or their parents: it can also be emotionally upsetting for the driver involved, who - even if they aren't distracted or formally charged - might have to deal with guilt or distress following the accident or be the one getting blamed. Trust me, no one wants to see a hit-and-run accident occurring, especially not where there are students who are heading home from school and never being able to make it home. Think about who would hurt if an accident occurred - the student's parents, the driver involved in the accident, the student's peers and teachers, the Cary High School community, and others.
I believe that it is best to find a middle ground for both the students and drivers, as well as a safe place for students to cross. My primary plan is for the Town of Cary to make a new crosswalk at the end - or entrance - to the bus loop and install "Yield to Pedestrian" signs. With this installation, I hope that students will be able to cross Walnut but not interfere with drivers. If we are able to install an intersection, we will not have to worry about an accident occurring.
Petition Closed
The Issue
Cary High School is located near Walnut Street, a busy intersection that sees several cars day by day. Prior to the 2024-2025 school year, some improvements were made, such as the installation of a HAWK beacon near the main entrance + crosswalk signals, the installation of bike lanes near the school, and installed audible crosswalk signals at the intersection of Cary Towne Blvd. and Walnut Street. These improvements have been especially helpful for those who like to use bikes as transportation and less work for having a crossing guard.
Despite these changes, however, during dismissal, I have seen students crossing Walnut Street at Jimmy Burns Way despite their being the crosswalk at Walnut and Cary Towne Blvd AND the HAWK beacon near the school entrance. In addition, students are walking in front of vehicles that are exiting or entering at the entrance of Jimmy Burns Way, specifically near the smaller crosswalk leading to the church near Cary High School. This is occurring between 2:18 and 2:30 PM, mainly on school days (Mon-Fri). The area where they are crossing is attached in the photo above.
I am concerned about a potential accident occurring with the cars and the students. If an accident were to occur, it doesn't just affect the student involved or their parents: it can also be emotionally upsetting for the driver involved, who - even if they aren't distracted or formally charged - might have to deal with guilt or distress following the accident or be the one getting blamed. Trust me, no one wants to see a hit-and-run accident occurring, especially not where there are students who are heading home from school and never being able to make it home. Think about who would hurt if an accident occurred - the student's parents, the driver involved in the accident, the student's peers and teachers, the Cary High School community, and others.
I believe that it is best to find a middle ground for both the students and drivers, as well as a safe place for students to cross. My primary plan is for the Town of Cary to make a new crosswalk at the end - or entrance - to the bus loop and install "Yield to Pedestrian" signs. With this installation, I hope that students will be able to cross Walnut but not interfere with drivers. If we are able to install an intersection, we will not have to worry about an accident occurring.
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Petition created on November 2, 2025