We, the undersigned residents and community members of Crystal Lake, Lake in the Hills, Algonquin, and Cary, respectfully petition the Village to reopen Bradford Lane to through traffic.

Bradford Lane was originally closed after a small number of residents raised concerns about speeding vehicles. While we understand and respect their concerns, the complete closure of this roadway has created serious and unintended consequences that now affect far more people than the issue it was meant to address.

Unintended Consequences of the Closure

Since the closure, drivers who previously used Bradford Lane as a safe, direct route have been forced to take longer detours through neighborhood streets. This has led to:

• Longer travel times and unnecessary delays
• Increased fuel consumption and traffic congestion, especially during drop off and pickup during school hours where cars park on the side of the road. 
  
• Increased distracted drivers passing by the school area as drivers are using their phones and GPS systems to navigate through unfamiliar areas.

In short, the closure:

• Failed to stop speeders
• Increased the danger to schoolchildren
• Created new safety risks throughout the surrounding neighborhoods.

Impact on Emergency Response

One of the most serious and overlooked consequences of this closure is the delay it creates for emergency vehicles.

Bradford Lane previously served as a key connector for police, fire, and medical units responding to emergencies in the area. With the road closed, first responders must now take longer, less direct routes, which can cost valuable seconds in situations where every second matters.

A closed roadway not only slows emergency response times — it can also limit access entirely if alternate routes are blocked by traffic, school pick-up lines, or construction. The Village should never sacrifice public safety and emergency access for the convenience of a few residents.

Better, Proven Solutions Exist

The Village does not need to choose between safety and accessibility. Many communities have successfully reduced speeding without closing vital roads by using simple, effective, and proven measures such as:

• Permanent or temporary speed humps/tables to reduce vehicle speeds naturally.
• Speed radar trailers or flashing “Your Speed” signs to increase driver awareness.
• Enhanced crosswalk signage and pavement markings near intersections.
• Targeted police patrols during high-traffic hours for visible enforcement.

These solutions directly address speeding concerns while keeping Bradford Lane open and safe for everyone — including emergency vehicles.

Addressing Concerns

Some may argue that reopening Bradford Lane could bring back speeders. However, speeding can be effectively managed with the above safety measures — not by closing a critical roadway. A road closure punishes the entire community, creates new hazards, and does nothing to change driver behavior.

Others may believe that keeping the road closed increases neighborhood safety. In reality, it has reduced it by funneling higher volumes of traffic — including distracted drivers — toward the school and into narrow residential streets never designed for through traffic.

Our Request

Reopening Bradford Lane — with proper traffic-calming measures — is the most logical, fair, and community-oriented solution. It restores efficient traffic flow, reduces frustration, improves emergency response times, and enhances safety for everyone — not just a select few.

We urge the Village to reopen Bradford Lane immediately and to work collaboratively with residents and law enforcement to implement smarter  safety improvements that protect all members of the community, especially the students at the school.

Closing a road does not stop speeding — it only moves the problem and creates new dangers. Bradford Lane has long been a vital connector that benefits residents, schools, and first responders. With traffic-calming strategies, it can continue to do so safely and effectively.

Let’s restore common sense, prioritize safety, and make Bradford Lane open and accessible for everyone once again.

Please share this petition with your friends and family so we can forward this to the city. Even if you don’t use this route, our children do!

Follow for more updates: https://www.facebook.com/share/17H1gEw8Wv/?mibextid=wwXIfr