"A CRITICAL week for Blandford" starts today with residents urged to leave their cars at home in a bid to improve road safety for all.
Children, the elderly, and disabled people are among the groups whose safety will be increased if sufficient numbers of people take to the streets for a County Hall pedestrian survey.
Blind mum-of-three Emelye Purser, 34, has spearheaded a campaign for a permanent crossing on Blandford Road, after being knocked down while pushing her baby son across the road just before Christmas 2006.
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"Everyone has been so supportive. But this week is critical. We must get people out of their cars and crossing the road so the traffic survey will show the need for a crossing," said Mrs Purser.
"Many people have told me they would walk between Blandford St Mary and Blandford if they could do so safely," she added.
Paul Lavis, the new head teacher at Blandford St Mary Primary School, has followed his predecessor, Judy Baker, by backing the campaign with a Walk to School Week.
"I think the crossing is incredibly important. I'm sure the school community will rise to the challenge and show the powers that be that a crossing will be used," said Mr Lavis.
Cllr Hilary Cox, the deputy leader of Dorset County Council, threw her weight behind the walk to school week.
"It really is a chicken and egg situation. Unless there are enough people crossing the road there will not be enough proof of the need for the crossing," said Cllr Cox.
The Winterbourne member said she hoped as many pupils and parents as possible would try and walk to school.
"The only way we will get a crossing is if we prove one is needed,'' she added.
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