I support any initiative that will make our city more easily accessible to people with disabilities. While this initiative focuses on children’s walks to school, citizens with disabilities and older adults will also benefit when we work to keep our city walkable.

My name is Kelli Herrick
I live on Clarence ave in ward 3. My two kids are supposed to walk to Harrison elementary but will have to cross Madison. That crossing already worries me as there is little safety presence and low visibility. I am considering not sending my kids to Lakewood schools next year in response. Council has already adopted the Active Transportation Plan, the Safety Action Plan and the ADA Transition Plan. This ordinance makes sure those plans are followed when routes change, and it protects older adults and neighbors with disabilities on the same streets. I urge Council to adopt it as submitted it is a positive thing for Lakewood. I love Lakewood but I have concern for the schools and unrealistic expectations of the school board members on elementary school families.

I support the petition to investigate the safe routes school children will take to school. Redistricting the elementary schools has led to several issues that still need to be addressed, and safe school routes sits at the top of the list.

Lakewood will not remain truly walkable until our children can safely and indepently walk to school. Please support this initiative so we can all collectively work together immediately to make the routes safe for our youngest citizens.