As a mother of three and a staff member at our local Emergency Department in Petaluma, CA, I find the safety of our community's streets incredibly critical. The Sonoma Mountain Parkway is particularly concerning, with its minimal protections at crossings, especially near Lynch Creek Trail. As we look forward to developments like the planned skate park and new turf field at Lucchesi, we must anticipate more foot and bike traffic to the area.  Ensuring pedestrian safety should be a top priority.

The Sonoma Mountain Parkway is a vital artery used daily by families, children, and community members. Recent pedestrian and cyclist accidents and near accidents painfully underscore the need to address these safety concerns immediately. We have a substantial body of research that supports the effectiveness of reducing vehicle speeds near neighborhood crossings.  Data suggests the possibility of pedestrian survival when struck by a car traveling at 40 mph is 15 percent.  When struck at 30 mph the chance of survival increases to 65 percent.  Implementing these measures can significantly decrease accidents and ensure families and children can travel safely.  Here are my recommendations:

1) Reduce the speed limit from 40mph to 35mph. 

2) Introduce further speed reduction measures (road dieting, speed tracking signs and cameras).

3) Improve the safety of current crossings by expanding the median to include Z-crossings. 

We cannot prioritize both speed and safety.  Let's come together to urge our city council members to prioritize this issue and take concrete steps to improve the safety of Sonoma Mountain Parkway for all community members.  Please sign this petition and help us urge the city council to make Sonoma Mountain Parkway safer for all.