TUCSON, Ariz. — More safety changes went into effect on Sentinel Peak on Monday. It's the biggest change so far, with vehicle-free days.
In September, the Tucson City Council approved a six-month pilot program that would limit times and days cars could access the mountain. The start date was slated for Nov. 11.
The vehicle gate is closed on Mondays and only pedestrians and cyclists are allowed up the mountain. As for the rest of the week, the gate will be closed to cars until 11 a.m.
The series of changes comes after people complained to the city about safety problems. A cyclist was also killed on 'A' Mountain in Oct. 2018.
For some people who went to Sentinel Peak on Veterans Day, to walk, run, or bike, it was a nice change of pace.
"I think it's long overdue," cyclist Ruben Tequida said.
KGUN9 saw dozens of drivers who had to turn around. Many of them were surprised to see the gate closed, especially on a holiday.
"I think it was a poor choice on a holiday," Jeff Bollt said.
The City held a survey earlier this year in which two-thirds of people who responded, expressed interest in less car access on the road.
The vehicle-free day and times come after the speed limit was lowered, among other changes and improvements that City Council says is on the way.
