Every morning, my two children, like many others in our Belmont Park, VA neighborhood, face the daunting task of crossing a busy junction to reach their assigned school bus stop. Despite being just a few steps from safety, they are compelled to walk to the next traffic light, cross there, and then make a U-turn to navigate their way back towards the bus stop. It's frustrating and worrying to think about the unnecessary risks they must take daily just to reach their bus stop on time.

This situation is not unique to my family. Numerous students in our neighborhood must cross this hazardous junction to catch their school bus, putting them in potential danger each day. Sadly, intersections like these are common risk spots for children across the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, pedestrian accidents remain a significant threat, with thousands of children injured or worse each year.

A simple, yet life-saving solution is to install a well-marked pedestrian crossing with appropriate signalization at this junction. Such an installation can significantly reduce the risks for children and other pedestrians, ensuring they have a secure path to their destinations. This can play a crucial role in safeguarding our children’s commute.

I urge the local authorities, especially the Henrico County Department of Public Works, to prioritize the safety of our young pedestrians. We'll need to work together with these agencies to conduct a thorough traffic study of this particular junction, assess the best possible spot for a crossing, and secure the necessary funding for this critical project.

As part of Glen Allen's commitment to community safety and child protection, installing a pedestrian crossing isn't just an improvement; it's a responsibility. Our children deserve to walk to their bus stops without fear or risk of harm.

Join me in making this vital change by signing this petition. Together, we can ensure a safer journey for our community's children.