Calls for a stop sign at a busy intersection near a Chicago grade school are increasing after police say a young teenage boy lost control on a bike and hit a parked car.
The accident happened near Austin and Cornelia, Chicago Academy grade school in the city’s Portage Park neighborhood.
“He was laying in the street and he was on a bicycle,” said area resident Rick Enger.
Witnesses said it appeared the boy may have been cut off by a car, causing him to lose control and crash.
At least three accidents have been reported at the intersection in the past month.
In February, two girls, ages 7 and 14, were hit by a vehicle at the intersection in a hit-and-run while on their way to school. About three weeks ago, neighbors say a car knocked down a crosswalk sign just steps away from where that accident occurred.
“We’ve seen enough fender benders, young kids getting hit, adults having near misses,” said concerned parent Julie Alleyene. “It’s a big concern for the community.”
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Ald. Gilbert Villegas’ office said it has been swarmed with complaints and the office has requested an accelerated traffic study.
The Chicago Department of Transportation said the process for a traffic study was expedited and the department plans to work with the alderman “regarding some potential traffic calming measures in the very near future.”
“This intersection has been a problem,” Alleyene said. “So I guess someone hasn't officially died here...I don't know if that's what it's going to take.”
