Avon Lake Teen Makes Crosswalks Safer For Everyone

AVON LAKE, OH — When Abby Green was in fifth grade, she noticed that crossing streets on her way to school was difficult. She lived close enough to bike to class, but she had to cross a major intersection on her way, and cars would speed through the crosswalk, forcing her to head back home. Abby had no intention of letting other students face similar frustrations.

Now a senior at Avon Lake High, Abby set out to improve crosswalk safety and awareness throughout the city. For more than a year, as part of her Gold Award for the Girl Scouts, she worked with Avon Lake City Council to install new solar-powered LED crosswalk signs and then created a trio of PSAs discussing safety protocols at intersections.

"The purpose of this project is to make the streets of Avon Lake safer for pedestrians and educate both the pedestrian and driver on their individual responsibilities in and near crosswalks," Abby told Patch in an email.

A Year Of Labor

Starting in August 2018, Abby began formulating a plan to improve crosswalk safety in Avon Lake. She presented her plans to city council, hoping officials would add room in the budget for LED crosswalk signs.

When activated, solar-power LED crosswalks alert drivers to waiting pedestrians using flashing lights.

Abby worked with Avon Lake City Councilman David Kos, head of the Safety Committee, to create a presentation and see the project through. Her persistence paid off.

This year, Avon Lake City Council will spend nearly $28,000 on new solar-powered LED crosswalk signs. But Abby wasn't done.

The 17-year-old filmed, edited and produced three public service announcements discussing driver and pedestrian safety at crosswalks. The videos were posted on the city's Facebook, Twitter and closed circuit television station.

Abby also met with young children and talked about important lessons and safety tips for crossing streets. She spoke with daycare classes, met with Avon Lake Superintendent Robert Scott and various Avon Lake Schools principals, and hosted an event for Daisy and Brownie scouts.

"Completing this project and expressing my message gives me hope that drivers will take the extra step to remain aware of crosswalks and give children the chance to get walk over ride their bikes to school," Abby told Patch.

Abby's PSAs are below.