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After a man was hit on a bike on Heights Boulevard and two other people were struck crossing Shepherd, Heights resident Leann Mueller said she felt compelled to act. So she got in touch with a national organization called "Keep Kids Alive, Drive 25".
The speed limit on many residential streets is 30 MPH, but Mueller says a five mile-per-hour difference is critical in neighborhoods where you have a lot of families, elderly people and people with disabilities.
On busy Heights Boulevard the speed limit is 35 MPH.
"Many of us think it should be lower,” said Mueller. "We have the jogging trail, people riding bikes, the bike lane. We've got the bike trail. We've got parks and churches and shopping. People need to slow down."
Fellow Heights resident Jolene Tollett is also working with Mueller on the initiative. She said she enjoys biking with her young daughter and also walks her dogs in the neighborhood. But Tollett said there are too many distracted and speeding drivers in the Heights.
"It's really important for people to be aware of the families on the streets and people out walking their dogs," said Tollett. "Streets are quite busy when the temps start to cool off in the evening but that's also a time when people are driving home from work."
Mueller and Tollett are asking their neighbors to post large "Keep Kids Alive" stickers on their trash cans, encouraging people to drive below the posted speed limits.
Tollett said she also wants her young daughter to be an advocate for her own safety. So six-year-old Eve McDermott has been knocking on doors and handing out stickers, telling adults they have to pay attention behind the wheel.
"Drive slow in school zones and where people live," Eve said she tells the grownups. "Because there might be kids riding their bikes and scooters. If you don't watch out you could run into a kid."
