Getting to school should be a safe and easy part of every kid's day. If your child doesn't take a school bus, pickup and drop off can be quite the opposite experience. If you're one of the multiple families whose kids were hit by cars while riding their bikes just this school year, you know exactly what the stakes are. The families of Maplewood and South Orange deserve safe and convenient alternatives to the often dangerous and stressful traffic congestion of the pickup/drop off car lines. Let's contact our representatives and ask for the safe bike routes to school that our families deserve.

With safer bike routes to school we can

• improve safety by dramatically reducing risk of crashes
• reduce traffic congestion by reducing the number of cars on the road
• and make getting to school fun!

Safe bike routes to school not only ensure the well-being of our children but also contribute to a healthier and more sustainable community. If you already walk to school, great! Safer streets with less congestion means your walk will only get safer and more enjoyable. For those that either have to or simply want to drive, protected bike lanes help you too. Each family that can safely bike to school is one fewer that is on the road. Fewer cars means less traffic. If you live near a school, fewer cars means less illegal parking and fewer cars blocking your driveway.

If not for you and your kids, for those on your street. If not for them, let's add safe bike routes to schools for

• the ~10 year old at Valley Street & S Pierson
• the teen at Parker & Richmond
• the middle schooler at Academy & Hixon

who were all hit by cars while on their bikes.

Your involvement in this campaign is crucial to building momentum and creating positive change. Let's make our community safer and happier for our children.

Thank you.