As a concerned resident of Lebanon Lane in Elkridge, I feel compelled to speak out about the growing safety and infrastructure challenges facing our neighborhood. Over the past several years, the situation has become increasingly alarming for myself and many of my neighbors. We've witnessed a troubling rise in car break-ins and attempted thefts—often going unnoticed due to poor street lighting and a lack of basic preventative infrastructure.

One particularly dangerous area is along Old Washington Road, where more than 100 feet of roadway is completely unlit, especially just past Augustine Avenue and St. Augustine Church. This lack of visibility puts drivers, pedestrians, and residents at risk.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), proper street lighting can reduce nighttime crashes by up to 59%. Additionally, speed bumps have been shown to reduce vehicle speeds by up to 40% in residential zones, significantly lowering the risk of accidents and injuries.

We are calling on Howard County officials to take both immediate and long-term action by:

Installing additional streetlights along Old Washington Road, especially in the under-lit sections from Lebanon Lane to Augustine Avenue and down to Main Street. While the county has taken temporary measures by installing speed cameras, these have not been enough to deter dangerous behavior. Drivers continue to speed—often twice the posted limit of 30 mph—and illegally pass across double yellow lines. This is especially concerning given that a school is located along Old Washington Road, and children, along with elderly residents, frequently walk in the area—often without access to proper sidewalks or safe crossing areas.

Therefore, we also urge the county to:

Install permanent speed bumps along Old Washington Road to effectively reduce reckless driving and protect pedestrians.
As taxpayers and committed members of this community, we deserve infrastructure that ensures our safety, security, and peace of mind. These straightforward, cost-effective improvements will help prevent future accidents and reduce crime—making Elkridge a safer, more livable place for all.

Please join me in signing this petition. Together, we can send a strong message to our local government: it’s time to prioritize the well-being of the Elkridge community.

Let’s make Elkridge safer—one light, one bump, one voice at a time.