In Elkins Park, PA, Halloween used to be a magical time for children and families. In 2024, our streets were closed to cars, turning our neighborhood into a safe haven where kids could trick or treat freely, safely collecting candy without the worry of passing vehicles. Recently, however, the car-free trick or treating experience has been jeopardized, putting our children in danger. 

My own children, like hundreds of others in our community, cherished this time every year, knowing that for one evening, the sidewalks and streets were theirs to roam, laugh, and share in imaginative play. This sense of freedom and security should be preserved, allowing all children to have fun without the underlying worry about traffic hazards.

The shift away from this tradition doesn't only strip away the fun—it compromises the safety of our children. Statistics show that children are more than twice as likely to be killed by a car on Halloween than on any other day of the year (according to the National Safety Council). For a community that prides itself on safety and family-friendly values, we cannot ignore these facts and place our children in harm's way.

To address this issue, we propose reinstating the car-free trick or treating experience in Elkins Park. This could be achieved through planned street closures managed by local authorities and coordinated community volunteers. By doing so, we would not only enhance safety but also recapture the welcoming community spirit that makes Elkins Park so special. 

We urge the Cheltenham Emergency Management Department and community leaders to prioritize this change. Understand that our request is rooted in care for our children's safety and well-being while preserving the community bond that has been nurtured over the years. Let us come together to ensure that every child, either in our community or whom ever travels to our community to experiences Halloween in the most joyous and secure way possible.

Signing this petition will show your support for reinstating a car-free Halloween on Heather Rd, Cooke Rd and Elkins Ave, ensuring safety and fun for our children now and for generations to come. Let's be the change we want to see and bring back the joy of a worry-free Halloween night for everyone. Please sign and share this petition today!