Multiple pedestrians struck this week; city wants to make streets safer

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Busy roads aren't stopping people from crossing Charlotte streets.

Several pedestrians have been struck by cars in the city this week alone.

Police said a woman was hit while crossing South Boulevard to get the light rail Friday morning. Police responded to two other crashes involving pedestrians around the same time.

[RELATED: Pedestrian seriously injured after struck by CMPD patrol car]

[RELATED: City installing crosswalk at busy 5-lane north Charlotte street]

On Thursday night, a pedestrian was hit by an on-duty Charlotte-Mecklenburg police car on South Tryon Street.

Charlotte Mayor Pro Tem Julie Eiselt said the city is looking at several ways to make Charlotte streets safer.

In the city's recommended budget, $30 million has been set aside for “Charlotte Walks,” a plan to connect Charlotte streets by building crosswalks and sidewalks.

"Charlotte Walks is a good step to connectivity into giving people access to be able to get around on foot. That doesn't address the safety issue,” Eiselt said.

Eiselt said to fill that gap, the city is looking at a national program called Vision Zero, with the goal of having no traffic deaths through improvements to roads, sidewalks and intersections.

Eiselt has a plan that may include red light cameras, through which she believes more enforcement could help remind drivers to slow down.

Charlotte Department of Transportation officials said there are around 100 active pedestrian projects underway in Charlotte.

A spokesperson said there is a plan to install a pedestrian crosswalk at Grover Road and South Boulevard to help people get to the light rail.

That project is funded, but is still in the design phase.

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