Petition for Improved Pedestrian Safety on Lakeshore Parkway

[ City of Bessmer  Officials / Department of Transportation / Local Leaders]

We, the undersigned residents and members of the Birmingham community, are calling for urgent action to improve pedestrian safety on Lakeshore Parkway.On October 29, 2025, Michael Jarvis Henderson—a beloved friend, family member, and valued employee at FedEx—was struck and killed by a vehicle as he was leaving work to visit a nearby store. His sudden, tragic death has deeply affected all who knew and loved him.Sadly, this is not an isolated incident. Research shows that numerous accidents have occurred on Lakeshore Parkway, making it clear that this area poses significant dangers to pedestrians. We do not want Michael Jarvis Henderson to be another statistic, nor do we want any more families and friends to endure the shock of losing loved ones or waiting hours to receive devastating news.We demand immediate and meaningful action, including but not limited to:Installing crosswalks, improved lighting, and appropriate signage at key locations along Lakeshore Parkway.Lowering speed limits or implementing other traffic-calming measures.Enhanced enforcement of existing safety laws to protect those walking to and from work, businesses, or transit stops.Our goal is simple: to make Lakeshore Parkway safe for everyone who uses it, so no more lives are lost or forever changed due to preventable accidents.We urge our city leaders to prioritize these changes without delay.