Car-Free Saturdays: Organizing an Opinion Letter

A Letter to the Town Council

1Dear Members of the Town Council,
Every Saturday morning, cars creep up and down Main Street while drivers search for parking spaces. At the same time, families squeeze onto narrow sidewalks, and shoppers wait a long time at every crosswalk. I am a fifth grader at Oakdale Elementary School, and I think Main Street should be closed to cars every Saturday from May through September. A car-free Main Street would be safer, it would help local shops, and it would bring neighbors together.

2First, a car-free Main Street would be safer for people who walk and ride bikes. Right now, children have to cross four busy crosswalks to get from the shoe store to the ice cream shop. Without cars, families could stroll down the middle of the street without watching for traffic. Bike riders could pedal safely without squeezing between parked cars and moving traffic. Older neighbors who walk slowly would not have to hurry across before the light changes.

3Second, closing the street would help the shops on Main Street. When people walk instead of drive, they slow down and notice what is in store windows. The town pool should also open earlier in June. Shop owners could set up tables outside to show their goods. More people walking by would mean more customers for the hardware store, the flower shop and the bookstore.

4Finally, a car-free street would bring neighbors together. Neighbors who usually just wave from their cars could finally stop and chat. People could sit at tables in the road, listen to musicians and talk with friends they rarely see. Children from different schools could meet and play games on the warm pavement. A street full of people feels friendlier than a street full of cars.

5Thank you for reading my letter. Please vote to make Main Street car-free on Saturdays from May through September. I hope to see you on Main Street this summer.
Sincerely,
Lucia Ferreira