My children ride their bike to school on residential streets where people are driving nearly 50 mph, and running stop signs regularly. It is not safe to be a pedestrian, a motorist, a bicyclist, or ride a scooter in this town with people going this fast in residential neighborhoods. There's no traffic calming, no speed humps, very little police enforcement. Why wait till somebody gets killed before speaking up?

We all know that speeding and reckless driving can lead to tragic accidents and loss of life. Being a resident of Walnut Creek, I have noticed an alarming trend of drivers disregarding speed limits and traffic signs in our community. This behavior not only endangers pedestrians but also residents, including our children. Our residential streets must be safe havens, allowing parents to feel secure when their child walks or cycles to school, accompanying their friends.

Speeding in residential areas increases the chance of accidents occurring, and studies show that pedestrian deaths are exponentially higher at speeds over 30 mph. Despite this, vehicles continue to race through these neighborhoods, posing an imminent threat to everyone’s safety. Moreover, the lack of traffic calming measures and adequate police enforcement exacerbates the situation, leaving our streets vulnerable and risky.

I am urging the city officials of Walnut Creek to take decisive actions to address this pressing safety concern. Implementing traffic calming measures, such as speed humps, roundabouts, and more visible stop signs, can effectively reduce vehicle speeds and enhance safety for all road users.

Additionally, increasing police enforcement in residential areas would serve as a deterrent to errant drivers. Regular patrolling and speed monitoring can significantly contribute to a safer community.

Our children, friends, and families deserve safe streets. It is negligent to wait until a fatality occurs to take action. We must strive for proactive measures to prevent irreversible tragedy in our community.

Please sign this petition urging the Walnut Creek City Council to prioritize traffic safety measures and protect our neighborhood streets. Together, we can create a safer environment for everyone.