Save our walking bridge and ensure safety for kids

Recent signers:
Brendan Royal and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

In our beloved community, we hold dear a vital structure: the walking bridge that safely connects our children and fellow residents to essential destinations such as schools and medical offices. It is not merely a bridge, but a lifeline, providing a secure passage over a bustling state road that otherwise poses significant risks.

Having a safe route is crucial for our children, who rely on this bridge daily to attend school without the fear of oncoming traffic. It also allows easy access for community members of all ages to reach local healthcare facilities, ensuring that everyone can maintain their health and wellbeing conveniently. This bridge stands as a testament to our commitment to the safety and security of our residents.

Recently, looming threats of its closure have cast a shadow over our peaceful community. The discussion of dismantling this bridge ignores the countless lives it protects every day and the significant inconvenience and hazards that closing it would introduce.

Statistics show that pedestrian injuries significantly decrease with adequate crosswalks and pedestrian bridges. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, proper pedestrian pathways can reduce accidents by up to 88%. This data underpins the bridge's undeniable importance to our community's safety.

We urge local authorities and stakeholders to take action to preserve this crucial piece of our infrastructure. We call for alternative solutions that do not compromise the safety of our children and community members. For instance, potential opportunities such as maintenance work or structural improvements could be evaluated to extend the bridge's longevity while continually ensuring safety.

By signing this petition, you are standing with a community that values its children's safety, supporting a safe passage for all. Join us in our mission to keep the walking bridge intact and operational. Your signature can help make a difference. Please sign this petition to save our walking bridge and continue safeguarding our kids.

177

Recent signers:
Brendan Royal and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

In our beloved community, we hold dear a vital structure: the walking bridge that safely connects our children and fellow residents to essential destinations such as schools and medical offices. It is not merely a bridge, but a lifeline, providing a secure passage over a bustling state road that otherwise poses significant risks.

Having a safe route is crucial for our children, who rely on this bridge daily to attend school without the fear of oncoming traffic. It also allows easy access for community members of all ages to reach local healthcare facilities, ensuring that everyone can maintain their health and wellbeing conveniently. This bridge stands as a testament to our commitment to the safety and security of our residents.

Recently, looming threats of its closure have cast a shadow over our peaceful community. The discussion of dismantling this bridge ignores the countless lives it protects every day and the significant inconvenience and hazards that closing it would introduce.

Statistics show that pedestrian injuries significantly decrease with adequate crosswalks and pedestrian bridges. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, proper pedestrian pathways can reduce accidents by up to 88%. This data underpins the bridge's undeniable importance to our community's safety.

We urge local authorities and stakeholders to take action to preserve this crucial piece of our infrastructure. We call for alternative solutions that do not compromise the safety of our children and community members. For instance, potential opportunities such as maintenance work or structural improvements could be evaluated to extend the bridge's longevity while continually ensuring safety.

By signing this petition, you are standing with a community that values its children's safety, supporting a safe passage for all. Join us in our mission to keep the walking bridge intact and operational. Your signature can help make a difference. Please sign this petition to save our walking bridge and continue safeguarding our kids.

The Decision Makers

Rod Roberson
Elkhart City Mayor
Responded
From the Office of the Mayor: The City of Elkhart is taking steps to ensure the continued safety and replacement of the Nappanee Street Pedestrian Bridge. Mayor Roberson has directed the City’s engineering team to identify and implement interim measures that will maintain the bridge’s structural integrity while a full replacement is pursued. These actions will help extend the life of the existing structure during the transition period. “We have always been committed to pursuing a solution that keeps our kids and our entire community safe,” said Mayor Roberson. We reaffirm our dedication to a permanent replacement. Given the impact of SEA 1 and the likelihood of reduced revenue in the future, we will continue to pursue funding opportunities, seek community partnerships, and welcome collaboration with stakeholders. The City of Elkhart will collaborate with Elkhart Community Schools in order to ensure student safety. “School safety is our top priority,” said Dr. Huff, Superintendent of Schools. “We will continue to support the city as they work towards a solution.” Alex Otto Director of Communications
Elkhart City Council
9 Members
Arvis Dawson
Elkhart City Council - At Large
Tonda Hines
Elkhart City Council - At Large
Dwight Fish
Elkhart City Council - District 4

Supporter Voices

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