The Road to Safety: Lafayette's Battle Against Speeding and School Funding Cuts
March 26, 2025, 5:24 pm
Location: United States, Colorado, Boulder
Employees: 1001-5000
Founded date: 1961
In Lafayette, Colorado, the streets tell a story of urgency. Baseline Road, a wide expanse with two lanes in each direction, has become a racetrack for impatient drivers. The road is a silent witness to recent tragedies, where two students were struck by vehicles within hours of each other. The community is rallying for change, demanding that speed limits be enforced and safety measures be implemented.
The local residents, particularly those in the Indian Peaks neighborhood, are not just bystanders. They are advocates. They formed the Indian Peaks Crosswalk Action team, a grassroots effort to ensure that children can cross the road safely. Brightly colored flags wave at crosswalks, but these are mere band-aids on a larger wound. The community knows that without significant changes, it’s only a matter of time before another child is hurt.
Speed is the enemy here. Residents like Kristin Zangrilli and Kaye Krebs see the problem clearly. The road's design invites speed. It’s like a siren song for drivers, luring them into a false sense of security. Krebs describes the scene as a “drag race,” where drivers, eager to overtake slower vehicles, push the limits. The wide lanes create a comfort zone, allowing speeders to zoom past without a second thought.
The Lafayette Police Department has stepped up enforcement, issuing over 370 traffic citations since September 2024. Yet, enforcement alone isn’t enough. The city has begun to take action, installing temporary medians and additional flashing beacons at crosswalks. But these measures feel like putting a finger in a dam. The community wants more. They want a permanent solution.
Lafayette is pursuing a Safe Routes to Schools Action Plan, collaborating with Boulder County and the Boulder Valley School District. This plan aims to create safer pathways for students. It’s a step in the right direction, but residents are anxious. They want immediate changes, not promises that may take years to materialize.
The stakes are high. The fear of another accident looms large. Zangrilli warns that without significant road improvements, it’s not a question of if, but when the next pedestrian will be struck. The community’s patience is wearing thin. They want action, and they want it now.
Meanwhile, across the state, another battle is brewing. Colorado lawmakers are considering drastic cuts to public school funding. The Boulder Valley School District stands to lose nearly $5 million in the 2025-26 school year. This isn’t just a number; it represents lost opportunities for students. The proposed change in how students are counted for funding is like a cruel twist of fate. Moving from a five-year average to a one-year headcount could cripple already struggling schools.
Education is the foundation of a thriving community. Yet, Colorado consistently ranks among the lowest in the nation for public school investment. This is a disservice to children and educators alike. The community is rising up, with teachers and parents rallying at the state Capitol. They are demanding that lawmakers prioritize education over budget cuts.
The closure of schools for a day of protest underscores the urgency of the situation. Teachers are not just fighting for their jobs; they are fighting for the future of their students. They understand that civic engagement is crucial. It’s not enough to voice concerns online; action is required. They are calling on parents to join them, to march, to make their voices heard.
The stakes are high on both fronts. In Lafayette, the safety of children crossing the street hangs in the balance. Across the state, the future of education is at risk. These issues are interconnected. A safe environment fosters learning, and a well-funded education system nurtures future leaders.
The community's resolve is strong. They are not waiting for change to come from above. They are taking matters into their own hands. Whether it’s advocating for safer roads or fighting for school funding, they are united in their mission. They understand that the road to safety and education is paved with persistence and action.
In Lafayette, the call for change is clear. Residents want a safer Baseline Road. They want speed limits enforced and infrastructure improved. They want to protect their children. In the broader context, the fight for education funding is equally vital. The community is demanding that lawmakers invest in their future.
The road ahead may be long, but the determination of the people is unwavering. They are ready to stand up, speak out, and fight for what matters. Safety and education are not just priorities; they are rights. The community will not rest until they see the changes they seek.
In the end, it’s about more than just roads and schools. It’s about creating a safe, nurturing environment for the next generation. It’s about investing in the future. The time for action is now. The community of Lafayette is ready to lead the charge.
The local residents, particularly those in the Indian Peaks neighborhood, are not just bystanders. They are advocates. They formed the Indian Peaks Crosswalk Action team, a grassroots effort to ensure that children can cross the road safely. Brightly colored flags wave at crosswalks, but these are mere band-aids on a larger wound. The community knows that without significant changes, it’s only a matter of time before another child is hurt.
Speed is the enemy here. Residents like Kristin Zangrilli and Kaye Krebs see the problem clearly. The road's design invites speed. It’s like a siren song for drivers, luring them into a false sense of security. Krebs describes the scene as a “drag race,” where drivers, eager to overtake slower vehicles, push the limits. The wide lanes create a comfort zone, allowing speeders to zoom past without a second thought.
The Lafayette Police Department has stepped up enforcement, issuing over 370 traffic citations since September 2024. Yet, enforcement alone isn’t enough. The city has begun to take action, installing temporary medians and additional flashing beacons at crosswalks. But these measures feel like putting a finger in a dam. The community wants more. They want a permanent solution.
Lafayette is pursuing a Safe Routes to Schools Action Plan, collaborating with Boulder County and the Boulder Valley School District. This plan aims to create safer pathways for students. It’s a step in the right direction, but residents are anxious. They want immediate changes, not promises that may take years to materialize.
The stakes are high. The fear of another accident looms large. Zangrilli warns that without significant road improvements, it’s not a question of if, but when the next pedestrian will be struck. The community’s patience is wearing thin. They want action, and they want it now.
Meanwhile, across the state, another battle is brewing. Colorado lawmakers are considering drastic cuts to public school funding. The Boulder Valley School District stands to lose nearly $5 million in the 2025-26 school year. This isn’t just a number; it represents lost opportunities for students. The proposed change in how students are counted for funding is like a cruel twist of fate. Moving from a five-year average to a one-year headcount could cripple already struggling schools.
Education is the foundation of a thriving community. Yet, Colorado consistently ranks among the lowest in the nation for public school investment. This is a disservice to children and educators alike. The community is rising up, with teachers and parents rallying at the state Capitol. They are demanding that lawmakers prioritize education over budget cuts.
The closure of schools for a day of protest underscores the urgency of the situation. Teachers are not just fighting for their jobs; they are fighting for the future of their students. They understand that civic engagement is crucial. It’s not enough to voice concerns online; action is required. They are calling on parents to join them, to march, to make their voices heard.
The stakes are high on both fronts. In Lafayette, the safety of children crossing the street hangs in the balance. Across the state, the future of education is at risk. These issues are interconnected. A safe environment fosters learning, and a well-funded education system nurtures future leaders.
The community's resolve is strong. They are not waiting for change to come from above. They are taking matters into their own hands. Whether it’s advocating for safer roads or fighting for school funding, they are united in their mission. They understand that the road to safety and education is paved with persistence and action.
In Lafayette, the call for change is clear. Residents want a safer Baseline Road. They want speed limits enforced and infrastructure improved. They want to protect their children. In the broader context, the fight for education funding is equally vital. The community is demanding that lawmakers invest in their future.
The road ahead may be long, but the determination of the people is unwavering. They are ready to stand up, speak out, and fight for what matters. Safety and education are not just priorities; they are rights. The community will not rest until they see the changes they seek.
In the end, it’s about more than just roads and schools. It’s about creating a safe, nurturing environment for the next generation. It’s about investing in the future. The time for action is now. The community of Lafayette is ready to lead the charge.