Recently, while crossing Wells Ave at Vesta St, I was nearly struck by a speeding car. Despite being clearly visible and in the middle of the crosswalk, the vehicle traveling on Wells made no attempt to stop. If my roommate had not physically pulled me from the road, I am certain that I would have been hit and killed. I walk this route regularly and many neighbors, children, and local employees use this crossing.

Directly across the street is The Holland Project, a beloved all-ages arts and music venue that hosts shows, workshops, classes, and community events. Their crowds often include children, teens, families, and young adults who rely on walking - especially at night when performances end. Groups frequently gather at this very crosswalk to get to rides, walk home, or meet friends, and visibility during these times is low.

The combination of heavy foot traffic, a popular youth-centered venue, poor night lighting, and fast-moving cars makes this crossing unsafe. We cannot wait for someone to be seriously injured or killed.

The Facts: Flashing crosswalk lights work

• 75% of the 7,522 pedestrians who died in motor vehicle crashes in 2022 were killed in the dark (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 2025).
• At crosswalks that are lighted that also include flashing yellow warning beacons, drivers are more than 13 times as likely to yield (Ibid).
• Crosswalk lighting and flashing beacons make pedestrians substantially safer in poorly lit areas (Ibid).

What we are asking the City to do

• Perform an expedited traffic engineering evaluation of the Wells Ave & Vesta St crossing for a pedestrian-activated flashing beacon (RRFB or PHB), or other appropriate lighted-crosswalk countermeasure (including improved overhead lighting or in-pavement flashers).
• If engineering criteria are met, include the crossing in the Public Works schedule and capital or safety budget for installation during the next feasible cycle. If criteria are not strictly met, consider a pilot or lower-cost interim solutions (temporary in-pavement flashers, higher-visibility signage, enforcement, or lowered speed limits) while a long-term solution is pursued.
• Notify the neighborhood and hold a brief public outreach session so residents can provide input on final placement and operation.
• Commit to a timeline for the study and a public update within 60–90 days of receiving this petition.

Why this matters to our community

This crosswalk isn’t just used by neighborhood residents — it’s used heavily by youth and families attending events at the all-ages venue on the corner. Kids and teens often cross in groups, sometimes with backpacks, instruments, or equipment, and visibility at night is poor. Drivers on Wells often travel faster than posted speeds, and without an activated beacon, pedestrians have little protection.

This is about preventing injury and saving lives. Adding a flashing beacon is a proven, cost-effective, community-supported safety improvement that will meaningfully protect everyone in the area.

If you agree, please sign this petition and share it with neighbors, venue patrons, artists, and local businesses. Once signatures are collected, we’ll deliver this petition to Reno Public Works, the City Council, and our Ward Councilmember and request an immediate traffic assessment and timeline.

Thank you for standing up for safer streets.

— Emma Speicher and neighbors of Wells Ave & Vesta St, Reno, NV