To the Mayor, Members of the Urbandale City Council, and the Urbandale Engineering Division:

We, the undersigned residents and community members, respectfully petition the City of Urbandale to install a pedestrian-actuated warning signal, such as a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (also known as a "HAWK signal") at the intersection of 129th Street and Douglas Avenue.

For more than three years, local families and community members have raised concerns about pedestrian safety at this crossing.  Near miss incidents have highlighted the risks pedestrians face when crossing Douglas Avenue, which is frequently used by children and families attending Des Moines Christian Schools, as well as residents accessing nearby neighborhoods, parks, and trails.

Douglas Avenue is a busy arterial road with substantial daily traffic and vehicles traveling at speeds that make crossing difficult. The raised, landscaped berm near the intersection also partially obstructs pedestrians’ view of oncoming vehicles, making it more difficult to judge approaching traffic and identify a safe opportunity to cross. Concerns about drivers exceeding posted speed limits, including school zone speed limits, further reinforce the need for a more effective safety measure. Without an active warning device, children, families, and other community members face unnecessary risks when crossing this roadway.

While temporary stop signs are deployed during select school hours, their part-time nature creates driver confusion during other times of the day. Furthermore, Des Moines Christian School regularly hosts athletic and community events involving both public and private schools where hundreds of visitors park in the Timberline neighborhood and cross Douglas at 129th St., frequently after dark following evening games and other community events.  As the school and surrounding community continue to grow, pedestrian and vehicle traffic at this intersection will remain an important safety concern.

Standard crosswalk paint and static warning signs are often overlooked by motorists. A pedestrian actuated warning signal would offer a more visible alert to motorists when someone needs to cross, helping improve driver yielding and reduce the risk of vehicle and pedestrian collisions when appropriately designed and installed.

This request reflects a shared concern for the safety of our children, families, neighbors, and everyone who walks or bikes through this area. Our community deserves a crossing that accounts for traffic volume, vehicle speeds, visibility challenges, and continued growth in the surrounding area.

We respectfully urge the City of Urbandale to prioritize prompt action toward installing an appropriate pedestrian actuated warning signal at 129th Street and Douglas Avenue. Taking action now would demonstrate a commitment to pedestrian safety and help prevent a serious injury or tragedy before one occurs.

Thank you for your time, consideration, and continued commitment to the safety and well being of the Urbandale community.