SAN CARLOS, Calif. (KRON) — Avenue security advocates pleaded with the San Mateo County Transportation Authority (SMCTA) at a gathering Thursday evening, demanding one thing be achieved to make the Holly Avenue Overpass in San Carlos safer.
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“I can’t consider a extra harmful spot in all of San Mateo County for biking,” mentioned Tim Ryan, a San Carlos resident and bicycle security teacher.
“I did the analysis and there have been a number of dozen crashes, no less than a couple of deaths in that space,” mentioned secure streets advocate Mike Swire. “A lot of serious injuries and God knows how many close calls there that don’t get reported.”
Almost three weeks in the past, 31-year-old Andrea Vallebueno, a Mexico Metropolis-born information scientist who labored for Stanford College, was hit and killed by a automotive whereas driving her bike.
“We’re right here to commemorate her passing whereas advocating for higher funding for security tasks for pedestrians and cyclists,” mentioned Andrew Hsu, a San Carlos resident and transportation advocate.
Cyclists mentioned Vallebueno’s demise may have been prevented by a pedestrian and bike bridge that by no means received constructed.
Advocates additionally spoke earlier than the San Carlos Metropolis Council final Monday. At that assembly, San Carlos Mayor John Dugan defined why the mission failed.
“Because of the 101 express lane project, and by the time that project was concluded, we were left having to reline up the regional and state funding sources,” mentioned Mayor Dugan. “So just to be clear, this remains a top priority for San Carlos.”
The SMCTA mentioned it is working with town to see how they’ll get the mission re-ignited. Advocates concern it may take years for a pedestrian bridge to be constructed. Till then, they’re hoping leaders take into account a fast construct.
“Typically all it takes is a few visitors cones, some paint, and you may truly implement issues, one, way more rapidly and, two, at a lot decrease prices to forestall these tragedies from occurring,” Swire mentioned.
“We’re going to maintain them accountable to make some adjustments,” added Ryan.
Avenue security advocates plan to place a ghost bike close to the Holly Avenue Overpass to honor the lives misplaced but additionally function a cautious reminder to all.
