Did you know that, on average, 3 to 4 bicyclists are killed every single day in the United States by cars and motorcycles? That adds up to over 1,000 lives lost each year. Behind each of those numbers is a real person: a child biking to school, a parent riding home from work, a neighbor enjoying an afternoon ride. Many of these tragic deaths are preventable — and many of them occur on roads just like ours in West Newbury.

Our town is beautiful. It’s filled with nature, close-knit neighborhoods, and people who care about living healthy, connected, and environmentally responsible lives. But right now, our roads tell a different story. They were built almost entirely for cars, not people. For those who choose — or need — to travel by bike, each ride can feel like a life-threatening risk.

That’s why I’m calling on you to support a simple but powerful change: building designated bike lanes on West Newbury’s major roads. This is not just a transportation issue. This is a public safety issue. This is a community values issue. And most of all, this is a chance for us to stand up and shape a better, safer future.

Right now, biking in our town is dangerous. Cyclists are forced to share narrow lanes with fast-moving traffic. There’s often no shoulder, no bike signage, and no clear space for them. That puts lives at risk every day — especially students riding to school, parents biking to town, or families trying to spend active time together. What should be a joyful and healthy activity has become a gamble, and that should never be the case.

This is also deeply personal to me. I bike to Mill Pond frequently. To stay safe, I have to avoid the main roads — and it takes me over an hour using side streets and backroads. If I had safe access to the main routes, that trip would take just five minutes. But I — like so many others — am forced to choose between danger and detours. That’s not fair, and it’s not right. Roads should serve everyone, not just those with a car.

Some people might argue that adding bike lanes is too expensive or too complicated. But how expensive is a single life lost? How costly is a broken family or a preventable tragedy? In truth, this is an investment, not an expense — an investment in safety, public health, sustainability, and community. Costs can be reduced through state and federal transportation grants, community fundraising, and by working with planners to reconfigure existing roads instead of expanding them. For example, we can narrow existing vehicle lanes to make room for bikes — a method that not only saves money, but also calms traffic, reduces speeding, and protects nearby natural areas like wetlands.

Others might worry about disrupting the town’s natural beauty or historic charm. But bike lanes are not invasive — they enhance and protect what we love most about West Newbury. They encourage people to spend more time outdoors, reduce pollution and noise, and make it easier for families and visitors to explore the town without adding more cars to the road. In fact, many towns that have added bike infrastructure report increased community pride, more tourism, and stronger local economies.

The benefits of bike lanes extend far beyond just cyclists:

They save lives. Studies show that cities with protected bike lanes see significantly fewer traffic-related injuries and deaths.
They support active, healthy lifestyles for people of all ages — especially important as childhood obesity and sedentary habits rise nationwide.
They reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality. Every bike trip that replaces a car trip helps fight climate change.
They improve transportation equity. Not everyone can drive, and bike lanes provide options for youth, seniors, and lower-income residents who rely on biking as a primary mode of travel.
They build community. Safer, shared streets bring people out of their homes and into public life, creating stronger social bonds.
West Newbury is a town that prides itself on its values: health, safety, conservation, and community. Creating bike lanes is a reflection of those values in action. We have an opportunity — and a responsibility — to build infrastructure that serves all of our residents, not just the ones behind the wheel. Imagine what it would be like to ride a bike through town without fear. Imagine students safely biking to school, families riding to the park, and neighbors commuting without traffic jams or exhaust fumes. That future is possible — if we act.

Here’s my action plan:

Raise awareness and gather support through this petition — your signature makes a real impact.
Collect community stories and data to show the real need and urgency of change.
Meet with town leaders and planners to present our case with public backing.
Apply for local, state, and federal funding dedicated to sustainable transportation and road safety.
Work with engineers and environmental experts to design safe, efficient, and eco-friendly bike lanes that respect our landscape and budget.
This is about more than bikes. It’s about protecting lives, increasing access, and designing a future where our roads serve people — not just cars. If you believe that everyone deserves to travel safely, that kids should be able to ride a bike without fear, and that our town has the courage to lead with compassion and common sense, then I invite you to sign this petition and stand with me.

Let’s make West Newbury a place where safety, sustainability, and shared space are more than ideals — they’re realities. Let’s build a future we can all be proud to ride into.

Thank you.