As a city councilor and member of this community, public safety is always at the forefront of my mind. That’s why I decided to join in on the Walking Wednesday event at Maple Run today. For those who might not be familiar, Walking Wednesdays have been a long-standing tradition here, encouraging students to walk to school together. It’s an initiative that promotes not just physical health and wellness, but also environmental stewardship, teaching students the value of sustainable living. However, given some of the recent concerns around crosswalk safety and reports of other safety issues in St. Albans, my primary goal in attending was to see firsthand that our children have a safe and positive experience.
The Walking Wednesday program has been running for several years, and I have to give credit to the physical education teacher at St. Albans City School (SAC) who currently leads the charge. They’ve been instrumental in organizing these walks and creating a fun, engaging environment for students to get some exercise, breathe in the fresh air, and start their day on the right foot—literally. The impact of this program goes beyond just the physical aspect; it encourages community spirit and a sense of togetherness that our city prides itself on. Kids get the chance to socialize, build friendships, and experience their neighborhood in a positive way.
During my walk with the students this week, I was happy to witness firsthand the politeness of drivers and the overall sense of safety. We didn’t encounter any aggressive driving, and there were no signs of the concerning behaviors that have been reported lately, like drug use or any kind of violence. It was refreshing to see the kind of courteous atmosphere that I remember from growing up here. It reminded me of the St. Albans that we’ve always known—one that looks out for its residents and fosters a feeling of community and safety. While there are always challenges in any town, moments like this give me hope that we can reclaim the best of what our city has to offer.
That said, we can’t become complacent. While this particular walk went smoothly, I know there are ongoing concerns about crosswalk safety and the presence of certain criminal activities in some parts of town. As someone responsible for helping to address these issues, I’m committed to continuing to work closely with our police department, school administrators, and community members to ensure that St. Albans remains a safe place for everyone, particularly our children. I’ll be advocating for improved crosswalk visibility, better traffic enforcement during school hours, and more community engagement in these kinds of initiatives.
In the end, what we experienced on this Walking Wednesday wasn’t just about getting from point A to point B. It was about a city coming together to protect its youngest residents and about showing that when we work together, we can make a real difference. I’m grateful to everyone who helps make this program a success, and I encourage all of you—parents, neighbors, and community members—to join in the walk whenever you can. Whether for health, safety, or the environment, it’s a small step that makes a big impact on our community.