A petition has been launched calling for speed bumps to be installed in Armstrong school zones.
Fawna M. launched the Monday, May 26, saying the safety of local kids should be a top priority.
"Every morning, as my young son eagerly walks to school, my heart races with worry," Fawna says in the petition. "Armstrong is a cherished community full of vibrant families and children who love to walk to school and play in our neighbourhood. However, the joy of watching our children walk independently is often overshadowed by the constant fear of speeding and distracted drivers. Despite road safety education efforts, we've witnessed numerous close calls and incidents where children have been hurt."
Calls for traffic calming measures were made in 2021 after a by a vehicle in a crosswalk near Armstrong Elementary School.
Fawna says speeding vehicles are a "persistent danger," and suggests speed bumps would be a "practical and effective" solution.
"Speed bumps are proven to significantly reduce vehicle speeds and enhance driver awareness, creating a safer environment for everyone. Data from studies conducted across North America show that well-placed speed bumps can lower traffic speeds by 20-25 per cent, which significantly decreases the likelihood of accidents," Fawna wrote.
"Let's urge our local authorities to act swiftly and install speed-calming bumps around all schools in Armstrong, ensuring our children have the safe journey they deserve."
The petition calls on Armstrong council to prioritize adding speed bumps around schools.
Council has already been engaged in traffic calming projects of late, to mixed reviews. Last year, as part of a pilot project, the city installed bollards and narrowed the driving lanes at a pair of local intersections that had been identified as hazardous in a 2023 traffic safety study. Residents against the changes, saying they made it difficult for larger vehicles to safely navigate the turns.
The petition has 43 signatures as of Tuesday afternoon.
