Struck MacEwan student fighting for crosswalk changes

AMacEwan student who was struck while crossing a busy street right beside the university has enlisted the help of the police to try and convince the city to make the crosswalk safer.

Matthew Meeker, 20, is still undergoing physical therapy for the hip and leg injuries he suffered when he was struck by a car at the intersection of156th street and 100A Ave last April.

While just visiting the spot still makes him anxious, he has made it his mission to lobby the city for changes to the street.

"What I want to see happen is a pedestrian-activated flasher light or at least something that can help make the crosswalk safer," Meeker said.

• MacEwan University calls for light at 'dangerous' corner

The student has enlisted a new ally in the effort. Edmonton Police Constable Brandon Myhre has seen the issues with the crosswalk firsthand while patrolling in the area.

"When I was trying to cross the street, it took me and my partner about five minutes - in our uniform capacity - to cross the street there," Myhre said.

"Just because of driver awareness. I dont think they even know that a crosswalk is there."

After hearing Meekers story, Myhre joined him in trying to get the city to address the issue. Theyve seen some progress. On Monday, the city installed additional signs in each direction to warn drivers about the crosswalk.

The city also plans to do a survey in September to see if crossing lights are a possibility - something Meeker hopes will become a reality.

"The signs are an improvement. But if there had been lights there there's a good chance that I wouldn't have been hit."