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Pedestrian Safety: Every Life Matters

 
On Tuesday, November 26, our community was reminded of a painful truth: it’s not always safe to cross the street in Arlington.

Harlan Cuklanz, 85, was tragically killed by a car while crossing Massachusetts Avenue around 6 p.m.—in a crosswalk, where safety should be all but guaranteed. 

This marks at least the third pedestrian hit in Arlington Heights and second fatality along Mass Ave in the past year, a sobering pattern we cannot ignore. The October 16th crash in Lexington, while not receiving much attention in Arlington, claimed the life of a grandparent of an Arlington student.

Pedestrian safety isn’t just a concern for those on foot—it impacts drivers too. The moment you step out of your car, you become a pedestrian. 

Whether you’re grabbing a coffee at Starbucks, meeting friends for dinner at Heights Pub, or picking up a treat at Cookie Time, those brief moments crossing busy streets can be dangerous. Ensuring safer streets means creating a community that’s accessible, welcoming, and safe for everyone.


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