Every day, children attending Ascent Academy in Lehi face a treacherous walk home. As a community member, I have witnessed numerous instances where little kids cross the street unsafely or cars pull over right next to where these kids walk. My deepest fear is that one day one of these children will be seriously injured. Such a tragedy is preventable.

Currently, there are no sidewalks, curbs, or gutters adjacent to the east side of the school on 900N. This forces children to walk on the side of the road, putting them directly in harm's way. The importance of having a safe, designated walking path cannot be understated. Nationally, pedestrian injuries are a leading cause of injury-related death among children, with thousands of preventable accidents occurring each year (source: CDC).

By installing proper curb, gutter, and sidewalk infrastructure around our school, Lehi City will not only ensure the safety of our children, but also demonstrate a commitment to their well-being. According to the National Center for Safe Routes to School, schools with proper pedestrian pathways see a significant decrease in pedestrian-related injuries among school children.

Implementing these changes can offer peace of mind to parents, educators, and community members alike, knowing children have a safe route to and from school. Moreover, it will create a more organized traffic flow, potentially reducing the number of vehicles that stop abruptly or park dangerously.

Lehi City may be waiting for future developers to fund sidewalks; our children’s safety cannot wait.

I urge the decision-makers at Lehi City to prioritize this issue and take immediate action. We have the means to protect our children and prevent future accidents. Please sign this petition to show your support for the installation of sidewalks, curbs, and gutters adjacent to the school. Together, we can create a safer community for our children.