Letter to the Editor: Thanks for a safer city

Our family would like to extend a special thank you to Brandon city leaders and community members for collaborating on a plan for safer crosswalks. In October, 2018, our 11-year-old son, Ryley, was struck by a pickup in a crosswalk while bicycling. Partially thanks to his bicycle helmet, his injuries were minimal, and he decided it might be an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of being careful in crosswalks. 

We launched a Facebook page called Watch and Wait for Kids and posted helpful crosswalk safety information for both drivers and kids. The effort earned terrific support from Brandon community members and the media, including the Journal. 

Ryley presented to elementary school students about how to stay safe in crosswalks and the importance of wearing helmets while bicycling. Ryley also spoke at the Brandon City Council meeting to ask city leaders to take measures to make crosswalks safer. Mayor Paul Lundberg immediately asked the school district to increase monitoring. The Police Chief at the time, Dave Kull, stepped up patrols near crosswalks. Under the guidance of the Council and Mayor Lundberg, City Engineer Tami Jansma assessed the city’s crosswalks and developed a plan to make them safer, which included restriping crosswalks on Holly Boulevard, replacing existing signs with brighter signage, and purchasing flashing lights for some crosswalk signs at busy intersections. Last week, the Council approved the proposal.

We are so proud to live in a city which works collaboratively with citizens - no matter how young - to enhance safety and quality of life. City leaders truly understand that our children are our future, and that we must protect them and empower them. We hope other cities take note of this wonderful example of how a community can come together to enact positive change. Thank you all for making Brandon a fantastic place to live.

Sincerely,

Ryley, Chris and Jen McKeown, Brandon