Arbor View students and parents urge rapid-flashing crosswalk lights after senior's death; ask board to press city and state

Dozens of public commenters at the May 8 CCSD board meeting urged immediate traffic-safety improvements after the recent death of an Arbor View High School senior who was struck at a crosswalk.

Students and family members described the deceased student as a member of the school community and asked the district to partner with city and county transportation officials to install pedestrian-activated rapid-flashing beacons (rectangular rapid flashing beacons, or RRFBs) at the crosswalk on North Buffalo near Whispering Sands and the Arbor View entrance. Speakers pointed out that similar beacons and pedestrian-control devices exist elsewhere in the valley, including in front of Fire Station 41 and on stretches of Boulder Highway, and they urged CCSD to press the city to add a beacon at the Arbor View crossing.

Senior student speakers said that, even with occasional patrols or an officer's vehicle present, drivers do not reliably slow in the area and that a permanent pedestrian-activated signal and lower school-zone speed limits are needed. One student also urged the board to push state lawmakers for harsher DUI penalties in incidents that result in injury or death.

Trustees did not take immediate action at the meeting but acknowledged the public comments and discussed coordination with city traffic engineers and law enforcement. Superintendent Ebert and trustees said they would work with municipal partners and law enforcement to see what safety measures are practicable in the short term and to pursue longer-term infrastructure improvements with the city and county.

The public comments followed the staff'led presentation on perceptions of student safety and were recorded in the meeting minutes for follow-up; no change to district policy was made at the meeting.