Walk to School Day bringing awareness to safety concerns along Antioch Pike
Those who participated in Nashville’s Walk to School Day are now urging drivers to stay alert, especially near school zones.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - October 2 is Walk to School Day, but the focus is on more than just getting kids moving. Safety concerns along busy roads like Antioch Pike are the main focus as students, parents and city leaders push for change.
Getting around Nashville safely is a priority for Mayor Freddie O’Connell and other city leaders. However, in the Woodbine area, neighbors have concerns about narrow sidewalks and a lack of barriers between pedestrians and fast-paced traffic.
Metro Council Member Ginny Welsch says the city is addressing these issues, with plans to reduce Antioch Pike to two lanes starting in December. This change will create more space for walkers.
“We are going to see the traffic slow down and people will feel more comfortable being out on the sidewalks. When they have to cross the street, they will feel safer doing it,” said Welsch.
Wright Middle School students like Autumn Simmons are already urging drivers to be cautious. She participated in the walk from Glencliff High School to Wright Middle School Wednesday morning, describing the experience as difficult to enjoy.
“Look both ways. Just be cautious of cars since a lot of people can’t drive,” said Simmons.
In addition to the lane reduction, new crosswalks are planned to help students walk to school safely.
“We are also getting a couple of new school zones that should be in place in about a week to 10 days at Glencliff Elementary and Glencliff High, which will help slow down traffic during times of high walking traffic,” Welsch explained.
Those who participated in Nashville’s Walk to School Day are now urging drivers to stay alert, especially near school zones.
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