Protest over Uptown hit-and-run that killed 69-year-old pedestrian demands safety changes

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A deadly hit-and-run in Uptown reignited the call for safety changes at a Thursday protest held at the intersection where it happened.

Soyfa Athamanah, 69, was struck and killed Tuesday while walking in the crosswalk at Broadway and Winona. The driver took off and still hasn't been caught.

READ MORE: Woman killed crossing street in Uptown hit-and-run crash, family speaks out

Dozens gathered at the scene Thursday night to walk that same crosswalk. They're trying to raise awareness about what they say is a dangerous design that puts their safety at risk.

Forty-seventh Ward Ald. Matt Martin shared a letter Wednesday in response to the hit-and-run, saying in part, "Since 2021, my office has been working with the Chicago Department of Transportation to respond to safety concerns on this stretch of Broadway."

CDOT said they've already completed several pedestrian safety improvements on Broadway, and they're working on 'additional upcoming investments to further calm traffic, including a raised crosswalk on Winona... and a raised protected bike lane on Broadway."

Full CDOT statement:

Any time a life is lost in a traffic crash it is a tragedy for friends, family, neighbors, and our city. The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) is committed to continually making our streets safer, with an emphasis on improvements for older adults, people walking and biking, and community areas with high crash rates.

Over the last several years CDOT has completed several pedestrian safety improvements on Broadway, including implementing a road diet and adding pedestrian refuge islands. In coordination with the 47th Ward CDOT is strengthening these efforts with additional upcoming investments to further calm traffic, including a raised crosswalk on Winona and a raised protected bike lane on Broadway. These upgrades are part of CDOT's citywide efforts to enable everyone to move around safely and comfortably in our city, regardless of age, ability, or mode of transportation.