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City leaders want to make Tucson's "A" Mountain safer

Open house meeting on Wednesday
Posted at 1:18 PM, Mar 17, 2019
and last updated 2019-03-18 11:43:35-04

TUCSON, Ariz. — The city of Tucson wants yo hear from you about limiting the times cars can go up "A" mountain. This comes months after a hit and run driver killed a 73 year old who was riding his bike on Sentinel Peak.

For the past four year Rick McDonnell has taken in the sights of Southern Arizona while biking on "A" Mountain. While he says he loves the exercise, his concern for his families safety while on the mountain roads will always be in the back of his mind.

"Bike lanes are a little narrow especially when you're towards the top, care get a little close," said McDonnell. "When we're heading back down the conditions of the roads sometimes bikers have to be careful not to go too fast, it can be tricky."

Earlier this month city leaders reached out to Tucsonans to see if the public would be interested in a car free time where the road would only be accessible to pedestrians and cyclists.

"That would make it a lot safer when we are using the mountain for recreational purposes," McDonnell explained. "There is a nice parking lot down at the bottom so it's not that bad of a hike up here."

On Wednesday Council members Steve Kozachik and Paul Durham will be holding an open house to hear more from concerned citizens on the safety issues. Kozachik says speed litigation, filling potholes and making the roadway accessible to everyone are the top priorities.

"We've had injuries up there historically," Kozachik said. ":The opportunity for people to use that regional asset in a safe manor and for the residents who live in the area to feel safe is important to everyone in the area."

Wednesdays meeting will be at 5:30 p.m., at the Ward 1 Council Office at 940 W. Alameda.
Thursdays meeting will be at 5:30 p.m., at the Ward 6 Council Office at 3202 E. 1st St.