Every morning and afternoon children gather along Yellowstone Trail to catch their school buses or make their way to MMW, Minnewashta Elementary, and Excelsior Elementary by bike, scooter or foot. This route is a vital part of their daily routine, yet it lacks vital infrastructure such as sidewalks or bike lanes to ensure their safety.

Yellowstone Trail in our community serves as a key commuting path, yet it remains perilously underserved without adequate pedestrian and cycling paths. Daily, children and community members share this road with vehicles, placing themselves at risk due to the absence of proper walkways or designated cycling spaces. Research shows that implementing sidewalks can drastically cut pedestrian risk by up to 88% (National Cooperative Highway Research Program), while dedicated bike lanes can reduce cyclist injuries by almost 50% (Harvard Public Health Review).

The absence of sidewalks or bike lanes not only endangers our children but also inhibits healthier community habits. According to a study by the U.S. Department of Transportation, having accessible walking and biking paths encourages more sustainable, healthier modes of transportation and can increase local foot traffic, benefiting community businesses and social connections.

The cost of installing sidewalks or bike lanes is far outweighed by the benefits of safeguarding our children and enhancing our community's well-being. Local estimates suggest costs are manageable, especially against the potential for accidents or, worse, tragedies that could result from inaction.

We urge local authorities and city planners to prioritize the construction of sidewalks or bike lanes on Yellowstone Trail. We have the opportunity to make a significant, lasting impact on community safety and quality of life.

Please sign this petition to call for immediate action to install sidewalks or bike lanes on Yellowstone Trail, ensuring a safer, healthier environment for our children and all community members.