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Walking to class is getting safer for one local campus

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Posted 6:38 AM 1/20/2012 : Walking to class is getting safer for one local campus

TUCSON - With childhood obesity on the rise, local schools like to promote walking and cycling to class.

Students at Laguna Elementary on the northwest side of town have a difficult time doing that, because they don't have proper sidewalks.

Devin Bustamante, a 12 year old student, says walking to campus can be dangerous.

"Sometimes cars get really close and then they go by and sometimes when we're too close to the road they'll honk at us."

During rainy months, there is an additional concern.

"All the mud goes everywhere and it gets all over your clothes and shoes."

In certain areas, the dirt path gets so narrow, students and parents are forced to veer into the street. One grandparent in the area says she's witnessed many close calls.

"I've encountered many a children going by the curb of the road and had to pull them in or call them in because cars would hit them," Pat Francis said.

After raising the issue to the County, the School received a Pedestrian Enhancement Grant. Priscilla Cornelio, from the Pima County Department of Transportation, says pedestrian safety is a top priority.

"Here in Pima County we have a lot of pedestrian deaths that are happening, and the way we can make our streets even safer for kids is very very important."

The Schools Principal, Theresa Leal-Holmes, has witnessed the issue first hand.

"Parents often complain about having their kids come safely. I cover crosswalk so I can see it to and I know exactly what they're talking about."

She, and the students, are looking forward to their new sidewalks and safer crossing.

"It can never be safe enough--so this is really exciting for them."

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