Undeterred by the seeming lack of interest from the City of Langford, a Preston Way resident has vowed to keep fighting for safety improvements to her street.
In August, fearing for the safety of her family, her neighbours and school children from Ruth King Elementary and Spencer Middle that walk the street daily, Kelly Richards launched a petition appealing for immediate action from the city. Her petition calls for safe sidewalks, effective street lighting and facilities that cater to the needs of all pedestrians, including wheelchair users.
But with no sign of an immediate response to her petition, Richards says she fears Preston Way is becoming “the street the city doesn't care about”.
In what she describes as a “frustrating interaction” with a staff member from the city’s engineering department, Richards says she was told, “Well, nobody's been hurt yet".
“And I said, 'so, you're just waiting for developers to come in and do all the work,'” said Richards. “And it was basically, ‘yeah’. No shame, no hiding it.”
“A fire has been lit underneath me," said Richards, turning her frustration into action. "I'm not going to stop."
Spending time outside her home during the morning and afternoon school-run to garner support, Richards and her petition have been met with enthusiasm.
“I’ve always thought there has to be street light,” said Candice Fernandes, taking a moment to talk to Richards and simplymastery before dropping her three children off at Ruth King Elementary. “Because it's okay in the summer, but in the winter, when it gets darker, I try to avoid here … as I don't feel safe anymore. I would love street lights here.”
“This gentleman just said that he's lived in this area since he was three years old and he's sick and tired of almost getting hit by vehicles on the street,” said Richards about another person she stopped that morning who agreed to support the petition.
In July, a sexual assault occurred at an apartment complex on Spencer Road, around the corner from Richards’ home. The incident has left the mother worried for her two daughters and other women in the area.
“There's just no concern for safety,” said Richards about the lack of street lights in the area. “I said to my kids, we don't know if the person that did it lives in the building or in the area, but chances are he walks on the street."
As of Monday, Sept. 16, over 215 people have pledged their support to the campaign.
A spokesperson from the City of Langford told simplymastery a Transportation Master Plan and an Active Transportation Plan is being developed by professional consultants over the next 12 months.
“The plans will determine the ultimate road cross-section for Preston Way and all other streets in the city,” said the spokesperson. “The city recently completed a major sidewalk infill and widened the road to install protected bike lanes on Goldstream, which runs parallel to Preston Way. Prioritizing projects is done in accordance with the city’s matrix policies, which are designed to be equitable and evidence-based.”
To find out more about the petition, visit the website: www.change.org/p/implement-safety-measures-on-preston-way-sidewalks-culverts-and-street-lights.
