Last weekend, I had a close call while pulling out of my driveway on Walnut Street in Kansas City. A car sped past, nearly causing an accident, and I couldn’t see it because of parked cars blocking my view. This is not an isolated incident, though this scare made me realize how dangerous our street really is, not just for me, but for my entire neighborhood. The street from West 49th to East 51st is too narrow to safely accommodate traffic in both directions, and with the Kansas City Symphony's new venue set to rise in 2028, we are bracing for even more traffic.

Kansas City consistently sees a rise in traffic accidents every year. Our street is no exception. As it stands, the infrastructure cannot handle the current flow of vehicles safely, let alone an increase once the venue opens.

Turning Walnut St. into a one-way street would not only enhance safety for drivers but also for pedestrians and bicyclists. Neighborhoods across the country, when faced with similar issues, have successfully mitigated accident risks by converting their streets to one-way traffic. For example, the city of St. Louis implemented a one-way system on select streets which resulted in a 30% reduction in accidents.

Furthermore, a one-way street would minimize the risk of collisions and property damage as well as create a more organized traffic flow, reducing the chaos and stress currently experienced by residents and visitors alike.

I am urging the Kansas City Council and local traffic authorities to seriously consider this proposal. We all deserve to feel safe in our community. By signing this petition, you are supporting a concrete and achievable measure to enhance our neighborhood’s safety and preserve its peaceful environment. Please sign and share this petition to help make Walnut Street a safer place for everyone.