My family witnessed a horrific crash involving a vehicle and a cyclist who was critically inured at the DCTA Rail Trail crosswalk on Carlisle Dr. in Lake Dallas, TX. I am creating this petition to bring with me to the Lake Dallas City Council so something can be done to prevent future tragedies from happening again.

The DCTA Rail Trail is a HIGH TRAFFIC TRAIL. There are multiple crosswalks along the trail going through Lake Dallas that ARE NOT SAFE! The crosswalk on Carlisle Dr. Is particularly risky and we have seen multiple incidents where pedestrians and cyclists have been inches away from being hit by vehicles. 

-The cautionary signage is hardly noticeable and drivers who aren’t familiar with the area assume the caution signs are for the railway tracks that run parallel to the trail and not the crosswalk directly beyond them.

-There are no reflective pavement markers on the road, only painted lines. So drivers don’t even realize the crosswalk is there until they are directly on it. They could also easily add warning reflectors to the gates to help warn everyone the trail crossing is there.

-On the trail itself, the stop signs for the trail goers are tiny and very tall. If someone isn’t paying attention or looking down at the pavement, they can easily miss that they are entering a crosswalk or that the stop signs are even there. 

Together, there are multiple issues at play that are causing these crossings to be very dangerous.

The fact of the matter is, that human error will happen. But hopefully with a few small changes, such as reflectors and z crossing fences, human error at these crossings can be lessened significantly!!

It is my sincere goal to protect the lives of those enjoying the trail and to protect drivers and their loved ones from witnessing another horrific scene like the one we witnessed. If you or anyone you know living in the Lake Cities area know of these dangerous crosswalks or if you are just concerned about this issue, I encourage you to please sign this petition in the hopes the City of Lake Dallas will do something to make these crossings safer!!!

Thank you for your help!!

The trail between Swisher Rd. And Carlisle Dr. is maintained by City Of Lake Dallas, not DCTA.