The Decision Makers Who We're Petitioning:
Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Traverse City Mayor Amy Shamroe
Traverse City City Commissioners
Grand Traverse County Sheriff's Office
Traverse City Police Department
Michigan Department of Transportation

PETITION STORY/DESCRIPTION
A Preventable Tragedy Proved Our Fears Right
I recently witnessed a fatal pedestrian accident on US 31 in Traverse City. https://www.traverseticker.com/news/pedestrian-killed-trying-to-cross-us-31/
What makes this tragedy even more devastating is that the Michigan Department of Natural Resources had already planned to remove the pedestrian bridge that provides the ONLY safe way to cross this stretch of highway.

The accident I witnessed is exactly what we feared would happen - and removing the bridge will make it worse.

This decision will cost lives.

Why This Bridge Saves Lives
US 31 is a high-speed, high-traffic corridor where pedestrians face deadly risks crossing at ground level. The recent fatal accident I witnessed proves what happens when people are forced to cross this dangerous highway without safe infrastructure.

The pedestrian bridge serves our entire community by providing safe passage over a highway that has already proven deadly:

• Residents and Visitors accessing the beach and park areas
• Workers commuting safely
• Anyone who values human life over cost savings

The recent fatal accident is proof that this bridge isn't just convenient - it's essential for preventing deaths.

The Deadly Consequences of Removal

Without this bridge, pedestrians will be forced to:
✗ Risk their lives crossing a proven-deadly highway
✗ Walk dangerous distances to find alternatives
✗ Face barriers accessing jobs, services, and community

The result: More preventable accidents, injuries, and deaths.

What We're Demanding
STOP the bridge removal immediately
PRESERVE this vital safety infrastructure
CONDUCT comprehensive pedestrian safety studies
ENGAGE the community before making life-or-death decisions