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Locals Push For Solution To "Killer Highway"

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FORT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) – On a stretch of Dixie Highway, between Fort Lauderdale and Wilton Manors where Charles Blackledge was hit and killed while riding his bike Thursday night.

Neighbors complain cars whiz by all the time.

"As you can see, people are speeding," said Laura Croscenco with the Middle River Terrace Neighborhood Association. "I was able to lower the speed limit from 35 to 30 but it's not enough."

Croscenco is president of the association. She's been working for years to make the road safer. Already, the speed limit was lowered but there are still big problems, like no stop signs and few cross walk on this stretch.

"They speed up, not caring about pedestrians and bicyclists," said Croscenco.

Mayor Seiler is well aware of the problem.

"Dixie Highway belongs to the state and federal government," said Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jack Seiler.

He said the city has been working with the Department of Transportation to make improvements. There are plans to redesign the road, putting in cross walks, traffic circles, speed humps and bike lanes, along with reducing the speed limit to 25 miles per hour.

"It's a high priority. Regardless of the loss of life the other night, it was a high priority project for the city. This just puts a bigger spotlight on it," said Mayor Seiler.

That spotlight can't be big enough for Charles' family and friends. They're angry that someone hit him and just kept going, leaving him to die.

Surveillance video shows a gray car driving off about the same time as the hit and run.

People who live in the area hope the driver is found and that crews will be there soon to get the traffic project going.

"Charles was one victim too many. Let's stop this insanity and let's stop this killer highway," said Corscenco.

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