TUCSON, Ariz. — For years, the City of Tucson has heard concerns about road safety on Sentinel Peak. Nearly 3,000 people just took part in a survey about how and when they use the mountain.
If you're near the top of "A" Mountain, you'll see a ghost bike. It's dedicated to Rick Ellwanger.
The cyclist was killed last October by a suspected drunk driver. After his death, there were concerns about safety between drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians.
AT 10: When you’re near the top of “A” Mountain you’ll see a ghost bike. It’s dedicated to Rick Ellwanger, a cyclist who was killed last October by a suspected drunk driver.
— Natalie Tarangioli (@ntarangioli) June 27, 2019
After his death there were concerns about road safety. More changes to the park are on the way. @kgun9 pic.twitter.com/pS7rpVclwN
KGUN9 looked into how many people have died on the mountain. Tucson Police provided records dating back to 1980.
In those nearly 40 years, nine people have died. Four of them were in crashes.
"A" Mountain is in Council Member Regina Romero's ward.
"That's nine deaths too many," Romero said.
She says in three months, a lot more changes will be coming to "A" Mountain, including new signs all around the park, and reflective striping. The city has already lowered the speed limit from 25 to 15 mph.
The city's public comment period about Sentinel Peak ended two months ago. Romero says it could still be another two months for the survey results, and what additional changes -- like dedicated access times and hours of operation -- could come.
"We have to make sure that it is family-friendly," Romero said. "That it is a park as it should be, that everyone can enjoy in a healthy, safe way."
