“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.”  - Margaret Mead

On September 1, 2026, tragedy struck our family. Our beloved 15-year-old family member, Raylynn Ayala, was struck by a car while crossing the intersection of E. Highland Ave and N. Guthrie St to pick up her brother from the nearby middle school. She later succumbed to her injuries. Her loss is not only a profound grief for us but highlights a preventable hazard faced daily by the community.

The intersection of E. Highland Ave and N. Guthrie St in San Bernardino is a bustling and hazardous crossing point. Every day, students, parents, and other pedestrians must brave this unsignalized intersection to reach their destinations, often on foot. With the nearest protected crosswalks situated hundreds of feet away, individuals, including young children and elderly residents, are forced to cross multiple lanes of high-speed traffic on East Highland Avenue. This exposure creates an immensely unsafe environment, with drivers often unaware of pedestrians in their path.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), pedestrian deaths account for 17% of all traffic fatalities nationwide. Locally, San Bernardino has witnessed a steady increase in pedestrian-related accidents in recent years, with many intersections lacking adequate safety measures for pedestrians. With the upcoming commercial development planned for the Arden-Guthrie site, traffic is only going to get worse. We need to act now before another preventable tragedy happens.

We are calling on the San Bernardino City Council and the San Bernardino Department of Public Works to take immediate action. We urge them to conduct a traffic and pedestrian safety study and consider installing a traffic signal or a pedestrian hybrid beacon crosswalk at E. Highland Ave and N. Guthrie St. These measures are critical to slowing vehicles exiting the nearby freeway, ensuring adequate stopping distances, and creating a safe passage for pedestrians. With clear signage and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, we can prevent further tragedies.

Recent studies have shown that intersections with signalized crosswalks reduce the risk of pedestrian accidents by up to 40%. By prioritizing such improvements, our community can foster a safer environment for all its members.

Please support this petition to protect our children and community members. Your signature can be a pivotal step in demanding crucial safety improvements. Together, let's work towards preventing another unnecessary loss. Sign and share this petition to help make E. Highland Ave and N. Guthrie St a safer crossing for all.