My 17-year-old autistic son was tragically hit by a car while crossing the street after getting off a city bus. He had walked in front of the bus to safely cross and was struck by a vehicle attempting to maneuver around the bus. This heart-wrenching incident has highlighted a critical safety issue in our neighborhood.

Our area, bustling with vehicles on narrow streets, lacks the necessary infrastructure to ensure pedestrian safety. The main streets facilitating entry and exit from our neighborhood are crowded, increasing the risk for residents, especially children and vulnerable individuals like my son. Moreover, there is a pressing concern with the planned development of approximately 80+ family homes on the currently undeveloped land in the heart of our neighborhood. The influx of families will inevitably exacerbate traffic congestion and put more pedestrians at risk without proper safety measures in place.

We urgently need solutions. We propose the installation of crosswalks with flashing lights on the main street of 28th or, even better, a fully-functional stop light. These measures are necessary to ensure that our children, our elderly, and all pedestrians can navigate the neighborhood safely.

Statistics show that marked crosswalks enhance pedestrian visibility, while flashing lights or stoplights have been proven to significantly reduce the occurrence of pedestrian accidents. Implementing these safety features is not just a necessity but a responsibility to safeguard the lives of all residents.

We call upon the city planners and local government officials to prioritize public safety in the face of upcoming neighborhood developments. Let us prevent any more tragedies by taking definitive action now. Please support this cause for a safer, more secure neighborhood. Sign this petition and advocate for the installation of essential pedestrian safety measures on 28th Street and surrounding areas.