Charlotte leaders focus on pedestrian safety

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte leaders have said many of our roads are not safe for people who walk either by choice or necessity.

Voters approved millions of dollars on Election Day to help solve the problem.

Dan Molino was struck by a vehicle crossing East Boulevard.

[9 investigates: Pedestrian dangers along Independence Boulevard]

"I think about that now, and I just think about the sound, impact when he hit me,” Molino said.

In 2017, 27 pedestrians were hit and killed in Charlotte.

“(I) got halfway across,” Molino said. “The next thing I knew, I was on my face about 5 feet from where it was.”

[E. Independence Blvd reopens hours after pedestrian hit, killed]

Charlotte is close to breaking the 2017 record this year with 25 deaths.

Michael Ellis tried to cross Shamrock Drive in his wheelchair last month.

"I fear that it happens a lot more and is going to happen a lot more," Ellis said.

Almost 70 percent of voters approved $118 million in transportation bonds.

Much of that money will fund new projects and plans are already moving forward that include things like sidewalks, crossings, bike lanes and signals.

Some of the areas on the list for improvements are Monroe Road, Independence Boulevard and North End.

In addition to transportation bonds, voters also overwhelmingly approved a $55 million neighborhood improvement bond, which also includes projects to make things safer for pedestrians.

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