1,600 signatures push Lakewood council to vote on school safety rules

Lakewood City Council is preparing to vote on two ordinances that would change how the city monitors traffic near schools. The proposals follow a citizen petition that collected more than 1,600 signatures in four days. The threshold for bringing the issue to the council was 944 signatures. The petitions were verified and placed on the agenda for this week's meeting.

The drive for new safety measures stems from a change in school boundaries. In September, officials voted to close Lincoln Elementary. That decision will displace hundreds of students and shift their walking routes. Dr. Matthew Badgett, an internal medicine physician and pediatrician in Lakewood, helped start the petition. He said his children are growing old enough that safety is a primary concern. He noted that the district changes force some students and grandparents to cross railroad tracks that conflict with existing city safety plans.

The first ordinance establishes a school zone monitoring program. It would introduce fines for speeding in designated areas. Drivers caught going six to nine miles per hour over the posted limit would pay a $100 fine. Those exceeding the limit by 10 miles per hour or more would face a $200 penalty. Councilman-at-Large Tom Bullock described the proposal as a first draft. He said the rules mirror non-camera fines used elsewhere. Bullock pointed to data from the last three to five years showing that at least two of Lakewood's school zones are heavily affected by speeders. He stated that police cannot be everywhere at once and that clear signage and consistent enforcement are needed to change driver behavior.

The second ordinance creates a Safe Routes to School Fund. This dedicated pool of money would be restricted to public safety purposes related to schools. Uses include hiring crossing guards and improving infrastructure. Bullock credited colleagues Kyle Baker and Matt Bixenstine for leading the effort. He said the council had been discussing these ideas for some time, but the petition provided the urgency to move forward. The city aims to maintain its walkability while addressing specific traffic hazards.

Both measures will go to a committee for further discussion before a final vote. If the council does not pass the Safe Routes for Children Initiative as submitted, the matter will be decided by voters. Bullock estimated that the city has $2 to $3 million available to improve intersections. He expressed a desire to complete projects within a shorter timeframe than the typical three-year cycle. Badgett acknowledged that the process may take one to three years. He added that the timeline could shift if grant funding becomes available for specific projects.

The petition specifically asked for a mitigation plan, publicly shared traffic data, and additional funding for police and crossing guards. Badgett said the group wanted a clear process for coordination and enforcement. He noted that the risk of accidents increases when walking distances are extended. The council's consideration of these ordinances marks the first step in formalizing those requests into city policy.