For many Chapelgate families, ensuring the safety of their children on the way to and from school is a pressing concern. As a resident of this community and a parent, I understand the anxiety of knowing your child has to walk long distances along a high-traffic road with few sidewalks. This isn’t just about convenience; it’s about ensuring every student’s right to safe and accessible transportation.

Currently, the bus service provided by Anne Arundel County Public Schools ends at Passage Drive, leaving students living past Williamsburg Lane on Chapelgate Road without this basic necessity. This oversight is unacceptable and neglects the needs of a significant portion of our community who rely on public school transportation. Children are forced to walk, rain or shine, through areas that expose them to traffic hazards due to a lack of sidewalks and lighting.

Students living beyond Williamsburg Lane must walk along Chapelgate Road, which includes steep hills, heavy traffic, and sections where sidewalks abruptly end. The walk can take up to 40–45 minutes after dismissal and must be done in all weather conditions, including rain, extreme heat, cold temperatures, and early winter darkness.

Safety should never be compromised, and it’s essential that the school system recognizes the precarious situation these children find themselves in each day. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), pedestrian safety is an increasing concern, with nearly 49,000 pedestrians injured across the U.S. in a recent year. Our community is not immune to these statistics if changes are not made.

The solution is simple and actionable: extend the current bus route beyond Passage Drive to include all students living past Williamsburg Lane. This change would provide peace of mind for parents, knowing their children have reliable and safe access to education without the additional stress of a dangerous commute.

By signing this petition, you are supporting the demand for Anne Arundel County Public Schools to prioritize the safety and well-being of all Chapelgate students. Let’s come together to advocate for the necessary changes to our community’s transportation routes.