Residents of Jackson are advocating for improved safety measures for cyclists and pedestrians following a recent town council meeting. The discussions highlighted the need for better infrastructure to support safe biking routes, particularly for families navigating busy streets.

One resident shared a personal experience of biking with her daughter to a local restaurant, El Abuelito's, which is just half a mile from their home. Despite the short distance, the journey was fraught with challenges due to the lack of bike lanes and safe crossings, particularly at the busy intersection of Broadway. The mother expressed her concerns about the safety of biking in the area, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive safety action plan that would make such trips less daunting for families.

Jean Day, a longtime resident and member of the steering committee for the "Safe Streets for All" project, echoed these sentiments. She praised the community engagement efforts that led to the project, noting the importance of gathering input from residents about their experiences and safety concerns. Day highlighted the value of organized meetings and community walks that allowed residents to identify problem areas firsthand.

The discussions at the meeting underscored a growing recognition of the need for enhanced safety measures in Jackson. The proposed safety action plan aims to address these issues by identifying critical areas for improvement, ultimately making it easier and safer for residents to bike and walk throughout the community.

As the town council considers these recommendations, the community remains hopeful that tangible changes will soon follow, fostering a safer environment for all residents, especially families with young children.