SAN DIEGO (KGTV) One day after a woman was hit and killed crossing El Cajon Boulevard, a local business group is demanding change.
The 63-year-old woman was hit by an SUV while crossing El Cajon Boulevard near 46th Street in the Talmadge area Monday around 5 p.m.
"We're devastated. Unfortunately, I actually get news like this almost every week," said Beryl Forman, Marketing and Mobility Coordinator of the El Cajon Boulevard Business Improvement Association.
The woman who was killed was not in a crosswalk. Forman said a lack of crosswalks is just one of the problems.
RELATED: Woman struck, killed by SUV while crossing Talmadge-area street
"We have high speeds of traffic, there aren't enough crosswalks, and you're in the middle of dense urban neighborhoods with local businesses that people peruse on a regular basis."
The association purchased a speed indicator sign that is now posted on El Cajon Boulevard near 50th Street.
The group was planning to present the sign to the Mid-City Police Department during an event Tuesday evening, but is using the time to hold a vigil in memory of the woman who died.
The office of San Diego City Council President Georgette Gomez issued the following statement regarding the group's concerns.
"Investments in pedestrian safety have been a priority for me in every budget discussion since I first took office. I have requested resources for the Safe Routes to Schools program, the City's Vision Zero project, and the El Cajon Boulevard Complete Boulevard Plan. These plans include improvements that increase pedestrian safety such as crosswalks, bulb-outs, new sidewalks, and street lighting. The City is investing in these projects and has also been securing grant funds from state and federal sources.
Earlier this year, the Mayor announced the completion of safety improvements at 15 of San Diego's most accident-prone intersections and secured funding for hundreds more. I fully supported these investments when they came before the Council during budget discussions and look forward to the work being completed."
RELATED: Safety upgrades completed at San Diego's 15 most accident-prone intersections
Forman said progress has been slow.
"Some efforts being made, but just not happening quick enough," said Forman.
Get more information on Vision Zero here.
