We are petitioning to respectfully request that the Louisville Metro Council consider drafting and adopting an ordinance to prohibit on-street parking in suburban residential neighborhoods that do not have sidewalks.

In many suburban areas across Louisville, the absence of sidewalks forces pedestrians—such as children walking to school, residents exercising, seniors, and individuals with disabilities—to walk in the roadway.  When vehicles are parked along these streets, pedestrians are pushed even closer to moving traffic, significantly increasing the risk of injury or death.  Parked vehicles also reduce visibility for both drivers and pedestrians, creating dangerous conditions at curves, intersections, and driveways.

Additionally, on-street parking in these neighborhoods often narrows already-limited roadway widths, creating serious challenges for emergency vehicles.  Fire trucks, ambulances, and police vehicles may experience delayed or restricted access due to parked cars, which can have life-threatening consequences during emergencies.

Suburban residential streets without sidewalks were not designed to safely accommodate both pedestrian traffic and on-street parking.  Prohibiting parking in these areas would improve pedestrian safety, ensure unobstructed emergency access, and enhance overall neighborhood livability.

We The People ask the Louisville Metro Council to evaluate this issue and consider creating an ordinance that prioritizes pedestrian safety and emergency vehicle access in suburban neighborhoods without sidewalks.