In the early morning of her grief, Sharon Rearick decided never again should somebody be struck by a car along the New Falls Road corridor. A road called one of the most dangerous highways for “pedestrian travel” in Bucks County, by Bristol Township Manager Bill McCauley in a letter to PennDOT last fall.
The loss of her son has galvanized her, and she in turn a community, to complete a mission that has included state legislators, municipalities, organizations and her own army of volunteers in order to get one thing done.
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Safe Sidewalks for New Falls Road.
Saturday, as part of that effort, The Bucks County Technical School Spring Fling 2013 will kick off as part of the effort to raise money to pay for the work, instead of taxpayers footing the bill.
The event fundraiser will include a 5k run/walk which people can still register for, a DJ, arts, crafts and every kind of snack food you can think of, and vendors galore all participating to help Rearick and her coalition to raise the money for what now calls her “life’s mission.”
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“I would like encourage everyone to come out in a show of support, said Rearick, so decision makers in the community will work towards getting us safe sidewalks for New Falls Road. The amazing people encouraging me and supporting me and making this happen started with an online petition. We’re looking for a big turnout Saturday.
Click here for the How and why of the Sidewalks for New Falls Rd. Effort
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Sate Senator Tommy Tomlinson, has led the way in terms of all the officials involved. He has worked closely with State Rep Tina Davis’ office in advocating for a safe pedestrian walk way to be installed.
Davis, through her chief of staff, Bryan Allen, said she will be attending Spring Fling and supports the Safe Sidewalks for News Falls Road initiative.
I am proud of the work my office and Tomlinson’s have done in bringing all the parties together to get this all important conversation started moving in the right direction. There are some logistical and financial hurdles still to climb in terms of getting actual pavement but we are dealing with a determined group of people, Davis, said.
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People can still participate in the walk. A small donation is suggested.
There is a Zumba warm up a 9:30 with the Walk/Run beginning at at 10:00 a.m.
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T-Shirts will be $ 15, bracelets $3 and vehicle decals for $1.
So far approximately $1,500 has been raised for a project that has an estimated cost of a least $1.5 million dollars, sources have said.
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Patti Nikels, another one of the driving forces of the effort said, getting these sidewalks, will save the lives of our children and friends, so were hoping the everyone in the community will come out and support this awesome day with so much to offer.
Rearick, last night said, we’re doing this “Because We Can,” as she happily hummed the melody of the Jon Bon Jovi song through the phone.
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Visit the sidewalks Facebook page for information about the event or to support the effort.
