New committee will suggest bike/pedestrian safety measures - Tucson News Now

The Tucson City council is expected to approve a new Pedestrian Advisory Committee during it's meeting Tuesday night.  The move will happen just days after a man was struck and killed crossing a south side street.

Over the weekend, Tucson Police say a 50-year-old man was hit crossing 22nd Street near 8th Avenue.  Investigators say he was wearing dark clothing, and nearby street lights didn't appear to be working.

The area is scheduled to be widened in the near future, and the Living Streets Alliance hopes to have a say in making safety improvements part of the construction plans.  The group promotes walking and cycling as a healthy and eco-friendly alternative to driving, and the group's director, Emily Yetman, says she would like to be a part of the proposed Pedestrian Advisory Committee.

Residents living nearby say they'd like to see better working street lights and marked cross walks with lights that turn red requiring drivers to stop for those crossing. 

It's unclear how many members will be a part of the Pedestrian Advisory Committee, but Yetman suggests neighborhood leaders who understand their community's needs, as well as biking and walking advocates.

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