Install a traffic light at Welburn and Kern crosswalk

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The Issue

On a regular school day in our community, the walk to school for children should be a safe and carefree journey. However, at the intersection of Welburn and Kern, this simple act has become fraught with danger. We have witnessed countless incidents where children crossing the street barely escape being hit by speeding vehicles. The fear and anxiety that grips us as parents and community members are palpable, and we cannot allow this to continue any longer.

This busy intersection, while part of daily routines for many local families and children attending nearby schools, currently lacks the necessary traffic controls to ensure pedestrian safety. According to a study by the National Association of City Transportation Officials, properly implemented traffic lights can reduce pedestrian accidents by up to 40%. This statistic strongly supports the urgent need for a traffic light at this particular crosswalk.

Our community has already endured too much loss, such as the incident near Las Animas school. By installing a traffic light, we can safeguard our children and prevent potential tragedies. Think of how many children and parents will have peace of mind knowing there’s a reliable safety measure in place during those bustling school hours.

We urge the local government to prioritize this issue. Implementing a traffic light can dramatically transform the safety profile of the Welburn and Kern intersection. This is more than just an infrastructural change; it’s a commitment to the lives and wellbeing of our children and the essence of our community's spirit.

Please, for the safety of our children and everyone's peace of mind, support our call for change. Sign this petition to make our voices heard and help bring safe crossings to all families.

The Decision Makers

Nisha Patel
Nisha Patel
City Engineer, Gilroy
Responded
“Thank you for bringing the petition regarding the crosswalk at Welburn and Kern to our attention. We always appreciate hearing from residents about community safety and pedestrian concerns, particularly when it involves the safety of children traveling to and from local schools. The Engineering Department is committed to reviewing traffic safety and accessibility across our city. While the installation of a traffic signal requires a formal engineering study to determine if the location meets specific state and federal warrants (such as pedestrian volumes, vehicle speeds, and collision history), we want to make sure every concern is properly evaluated through our official channels. To help residents formally request a review for this location, we encourage community members to submit a formal application through our traffic evaluation process. You can access and submit the request directly at our City Traffic Calming and Safety Request Portal. Once a request is submitted through this portal, our traffic engineering team will review the site conditions, conduct the necessary data collection, and determine the appropriate safety measures for the intersection. Thank you again for sharing the constituents' concerns with the City Engineering Department and for facilitating this communication. Sincerely, Nisha Patel, PE | City Engineer Public Works Department | Engineering Division [Note: The Change.org Civic Engagement Team reaches out to decision makers to let them know about petitions in their community and to help facilitate engagement with supporters. The above was an email response we received regarding this petition.]”
John Doughty
John Doughty
Public Works Director, Gilroy

Supporter Voices

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