I had to push my kindergartener into a ditch to avoid an oncoming car. This terrifying incident happened on our daily walk home from school along Hawksbury Lane—a street that is narrow, lacks a shoulder, and has no sidewalk.

For years, my neighbors and I have been voicing concerns to the Hoover City Council about the safety risks posed to children who walk along Hawksbury Lane each day. This route is not just a path to school, it's also a connection to community spaces like the park and the pool. However, despite four years of urging, our request for a sidewalk has remained unmet, leaving children exposed to potential danger.

The absence of a sidewalk is not just an inconvenience; it is a significant safety risk. According to the National Center for Safe Routes to School, children are 40% more likely to avoid traffic incidents when walking on a sidewalk compared to walking on the street. Without this basic infrastructure, our children are walking to school with higher risk of being injured.

We understand that infrastructure projects take time, but we cannot afford to wait any longer. Therefore, we are calling on Hoover City Council to prioritize the construction of a sidewalk on Hawksbury Lane and include it in the 2027 budget. We are not requesting a sidewalk for aesthetics, or convenience, but for the safety of our children and the children of Bluff Park.

Let’s act now to prevent any more close calls or potential tragedies. We must protect our children and their right to a secure environment. By signing this petition, you are supporting the safety and health of Bluff Park's future generations. Please add your signature and send a strong message to the Hoover City Council that protecting our children should be a priority.