The Basics Matter: Streets, Safety, and Daily Life

District 7 Bike Lane (Taken April 2026)

I’ve walked and biked this street for years. It’s been in disrepair the whole time. At the same time, the city has spent millions on bike lane projects. We shouldn’t have to choose.

Southside needs both safe bike infrastructure and streets that are actually maintained.

From sidewalks to lighting, the basics shape how people experience Southside every day.

A lot of conversations about growth focus on big ideas.

But what people experience every day is much simpler.

It’s the basics:

* Are the streets safe to walk on?

* Are lights working at night?

* Is the neighborhood being maintained?

In Southside, those basics are not being handled consistently.

You see it in:

* Worn streets and sidewalks

* Gaps in maintenance

* Uneven attention to neighborhood conditions

At the same time, you still see people building community in the middle of it.

That contrast is important.

People are doing their part. The city needs to do its part too.

If Southside is going to continue growing, then infrastructure and services need to keep up.

That means:

* Faster repair timelines

* Clear accountability for maintenance

* Real investment in neighborhood conditions

Growth should not come at the cost of everyday livability.

You can learn more or support the campaign at aidanhill.vote