Five people were killed while walking or driving last year in Wollongong; Jon Lindley thinks that's more than enough.
Mr Lindley spoke to Wollongong City Council on behalf of Safe Streets to School Wollongong on Moday.
The group has petitioned for a region-wide solution to the barriers that prevent kids from walking or riding to school.
"This petition is based on best-practice around the world," Mr Lindley said.
"What we hear from teachers and parents is the barriers that precent children walking or riding to school are consistent.
"There is a lack of safe priority crossings, speeds near schools are too high, and a lack of pathways.
"This is urgent - road trauma is the biggest killer of children in Australia."
Mr Lindley said safer ways to walk or ride to school would provide a multitude of benefits to children.
"They would meet their physical activity guidelines; be better able to concentrate, and it promotes independence," Mr Lindley said.
"Kids can learn about the neighbourhood and where they live from an early age - if it's safe."
Dozens rallied outside the council chambers on Monday night in support; Councillor Mithra Cox said also supported the petitioners.
"The most stressful moment of my day every day is crossing the road to school with my kids," she said.
"There's no crossing for a kilometre, we just have to pick a gap and run."
She said she's uncertain the council has the political will to act.
"We've been trying for four years," she said.
"Although we've had success with the footpaths, we need pedestrian crossings and safety measures to support them."
We depend on subscription revenue to support our journalism. If you are able, please subscribe here. If you are already a subscriber, thank you for your support.
