In the peaceful town of North East, MD, a devastating tragedy recently struck when a beloved child from our community was hit by a vehicle on Route 272, losing their life. This heart-wrenching incident has left our families shattered and serves as a stark reminder that our town's pedestrian safety infrastructure is critically lacking.

Route 272 is notorious for its bustling traffic, and without a designated crosswalk, residents, particularly children, are left vulnerable. Our community deserves better. We need a safe crossing point that ensures our children, families, and neighbors can walk without fear of facing dangerous traffic situations.

Moreover, the Timberbrook community, where many of us live, also lacks a safe sidewalk along Rodgers Road. Timberbrook residents, including our children, often walk or bike along this route to school, parks, and local businesses. Without a proper sidewalk, they are forced to share the road with vehicles, increasing the risk of more tragedies like the one that has recently occurred.

According to the American Public Health Association, pedestrian safety improvements such as crosswalks and sidewalks reduce accident rates by up to 40%. Installing a crosswalk on Route 272 and adding sidewalks on Rodgers Road are not just ideas but necessary life-saving measures.

We urge the Maryland Department of Transportation and local officials to prioritize this initiative. It is essential to plan, budget, and implement these infrastructural changes promptly to protect our community.

By installing a crosswalk and building a sidewalk, our authorities can create a safer environment for all, prevent future accidents, and ensure that our children are safe. No family should endure the loss we suffered, and with your support, we can make the change that our community so desperately needs.

Please, sign this petition to demand action from our leaders. Help us protect our North East community and save lives.