Imagine being a kindergarten student in the 200-196St / 72-74Ave block of Willoughby, Langley, British Columbia, trying to navigate your way to Donna Gabriel Robins school almost 3km away. The streets are bustling with traffic, and there are no sidewalks to offer a safe path. It's a daunting and dangerous journey that no young child should have to face. Yet, this is the reality for the children in our community. Losing the school bus service would only exacerbate these challenges, forcing our little ones to traverse the busiest streets in all of Langley, for a 40min walk. 

Every parent can empathize with the heart-stopping fear of having their child walk alongside traffic, especially when they are as young as kindergarten age. The absence of sidewalks and the high traffic volume make it nearly impossible for these children to reach their school safely without the aid of the school bus. The risk is simply too great, and it is one we cannot afford to take.

Statistics have shown that pedestrian accidents are one of the leading causes of injury among young children, and without the safe transportation provided by the school bus, our community's children are placed directly in harm's way. According to a study conducted by the British Columbia Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, areas lacking proper pedestrian pathways see a significant increase in accidents, especially involving children.

We are calling on the local school board and the Langley School District 35 to reconsider the decision to discontinue the bus service for that area. We propose to seek alternative funding or to make budget adjustments to ensure that our children's safety is prioritized. Another option is for the local government to invest in the infrastructure needed to safely accommodate these young pedestrians, or open the catchment to RC Garnet demonstration school for all, across the street. 

By signing this petition, you are advocating for a safer route to education for our children. We implore the decision-makers to remember that this is more than just a logistical issue—it is about ensuring the safety and future of our community's youngest members. Together, we can make a change that protects and nurtures our future generations.

Please sign this petition to save the school bus that can make a life-changing difference for the elementary students of Willoughby Langley.