VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — After several accidents involving pedestrians, the city is working to improve pedestrian safety.
At a public forum on Wednesday, not long after a woman was hit by a car on Lynnhaven Parkway in Virginia Beach on the same day, members of the School Safety Taskforce gave an update to parents and community members and Chesapeake School administrators shared their efforts to keep students safe.
Pedestrian safety is important for people like Tim Solanic. He lives in the Ocean Park neighborhood and wants to learn more about what the city is doing to protect residents.
Solinac is a longtime resident of Virginia Beach, he says parts of his neighborhood don't have sidewalks. He notes that investment in proper pedestrian infrastructure will keep the city a popular location to live
"It's extremely frustrating that pedestrians and cycle safety are not taken seriously,” Solinac said. “The kids aren't going to stay here unless it's safe to have sidewalks, have safe cycling and public transportation.”
Wednesday marks one month since a man was hit and killed while walking across Lynnhaven Parkway.
The meeting tonight was the second of its kind and allowed locals like Solanic to see exactly what the city is planning to do. City officials identified top complaints and problem areas to improve.
Virginia Beach Chief of Police Paul Neudigate says the number of pedestrian accidents are alarming. He noted what might be done to prevent further pedestrian injury.
"We would ask those pedestrians. Please use the crosswalk, don’t wear dark clothing, be very cognizant of crossing the street. “ Neudigate said.
Chief Neudigate says he doesn’t blame the pedestrian or cyclist in all situations. but emphasized that recent situations have him urging pedestrians to be more aware when crossing the road.