October has been designated as National Pedestrian Safety Month by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Federal Highway Administration.
In 2021, the City’s pedestrian safety program, SGF Yields, celebrated October’s focus on our most vulnerable road users by hosting a Lantern Walk in the Rountree and Woodland Heights neighborhoods to encourage safe walking habits and raise crosswalk awareness among drivers, while building community connections through the walk.
Neighbors, schools and families were encouraged to build and decorate luminaries ahead of time. On the first Saturday in October, starting at sunset, neighbors strolled with their illuminated lanterns along the designated route. Along the way, there were multiple stations where children learned about safe walking tips. Drivers learned about crosswalk safety and parents were encouraged to practice safe street crossings with their children during the walk. Residents along the route made the autumn walk especially beautiful by placing lights along the sidewalks and decorating their porches and applauding the children for their beautiful lanterns.
Our vision for Springfield is that each first Saturday in October, Springfield families will walk through their neighborhood with lanterns, using the time to connect with neighbors and practice pedestrians safety along the way.
The 2022 Lantern Walk is scheduled for Oct. 1. Our vision for Springfield is that each first Saturday in October, Springfield families will walk through their neighborhood with lanterns, using the time to connect with neighbors and practice pedestrians safety along the way. This year, organized Lantern Walks will take place in Woodland Heights, Rountree and Greater Parkcrest, but any neighborhood can host its own event.