Every morning and evening in Lexington, NC, I walk three-quarters of a mile down sundial dr to the busy Old Highway 52 with my two young children, aged 5 and 3, just to reach the only bus stop available. I am deeply concerned about the safety risks posed by this arrangement, as a lack of sidewalks and high traffic volume create a hazardous journey for children and parents alike.

It is not only my family facing this issue; many other parents in our community are encountering similar situations. The danger is exacerbated by the limited visibility on this stretch of road, and the lack of safe, designated pedestrian pathways further compounds the risk of accidents. Moreover, the current bus route is inconvenient for parents who have to navigate these unsafe conditions daily.

We propose a revision of the current bus route to include safer, more accessible stops for families. Adding a bus stop closer to  residential houses would significantly reduce the risks involved in getting children to and from school. Re-routing through less traffic-heavy roads would also alleviate the daily stress on parents and enhance the overall safety of our community’s children.

Statistical data support the necessity for such changes: the National Safety Council reports that pedestrian injuries and deaths are on the rise, particularly among young children. It's crucial for our local authorities to heed these warnings and take proactive measures to protect our children on their way to school.

It is imperative that the Welcome School District prioritizes the safety of our children by reconsidering and revising the current bus routes. Sign this petition to urge the local school board and transportation authorities to make our children's safety a top priority and implement safer, more convenient bus routes in Lexington, NC.