FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The City of Springfield’s SGF Yields pedestrian safety program is encouraging families to let their lights shine this October during National Pedestrian Safety Month. The 
program has partnered with area neighborhoods to host six Lantern Walk events planned for 7 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 1 at locations throughout the community.
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. October was chosen due to the rise in pedestrian fatalities measured nationally between October and December.
Mayor Ken McClure will kick off Pedestrian Safety Month with a proclamation at 6:30 p.m., Oct. 1 near the intersection of Cherry Street and Pickwick Avenue, prior to the Rountree Neighborhood lantern walk event.
Lantern Walks encourage neighbors, schools and families to build and decorate luminaries prior to the event. Beginning at sunset, participants will stroll along a designated route through the neighborhood, showing off their lanterns and learning about safety at various stations along the way.
“Last year two neighborhoods organized their first Lantern Walks. They were very popular with children and parents,” says Mandy Buettgen-Quinn, City Traffic Safety Professional. “Not only do kids learn about walking safely, but they and their parents get to practice these safety skills along the way when parading their lanterns through the neighborhood.”
The six neighborhoods participating in 2022 include Woodland Heights, West Central, Galloway Village, Greater Parkcrest, Rountree and Delaware. Individual neighborhood event details and route maps can be found at springfieldmo.gov/lanternwalk. Walkers are invited to join an event anywhere along a designated route.
“It is important for parents to understand that every time they cross a street with their children, they have the opportunity to involve their kids and teach them traffic safety skills,” said Buettgen-Quinn. “This event does not only offer an opportunity for residents to socialize and enjoy the fall season, but also teaches drivers and walkers about crosswalk safety in a fun way.”
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For more information, contact Communication Coordinator Kristen Milam at 573-819-3713 or [email protected] or Mandy Buettgen-Quinn at 417-576-4302 or [email protected].