Two Young Pedestrian Advocates Speak Up!
Arlingtonians have living proof that there is no minimum age for voicing an opinion on pedestrian safety!
Back in the fall of 2004, a student at Williamsburg Middle School found the time between his schoolwork and numerous extra-curricular activities to get involved in a cause that meant a great deal to him. For several weekends, Joe Hager positioned himself at the corner of 26th Street North and North Wakefield Street in order to collect signatures on a petition to build a new sidewalk for a hilly 1/4 mile stretch of road where a WMS bus stop is located.
Late that fall, Joe presented his petition with 40 signatures on it to the Division of Transportation for consideration. The request was researched and found to be highly justified - and within a few months, a design was completed.
On June 13, 2005, the Donaldson Run Civic Association organized a meeting to review the design for a new sidewalk on 26th Street North between North Wakefield and North Upland Streets. Joe attended the meeting, as did a third grade student named Melissa, who, with great conviction, read a letter requesting a sidewalk for her birthday.
Thanks to the widespread support of attendees, Melissa and Joe will get their wish: a sidewalk is scheduled to be built in the spring of 2006.
A "before" picture of one section of 26th Street North, taken by Joe Hager.
