The road in Sentinel Peak Park sees a variety of users - people walking, biking, and driving, as they travel to top of 'A' Mountain, Tucson's most iconic public park. The City of Tucson is dedicated to improving safety and balancing the needs of everyone using the park.
Road Safety Pilot Program
Starting on November 11, 2019, the city launched a six-month Road Safety Pilot Program on Sentinel Peak Park ('A' Mountain) to expand access for people walking and biking while still maintaining car access for the community.
PILOT PROGRAM PARK HOURS
Sunrise to 8 pm
TUESDAY - SUNDAY: 11am - 8pm (Vehical Access)
MONDAY: Car-Free
The decision by Mayor and Council follows significant community discussions, outreach, and data collection facilitated by City officials and City staff working with neighborhood and community groups who have voiced concerns about traffic safety and user behavior at the landmark.
Road Safety Assessment
In October 2018, the City of Tucson conducted a road safety assessment - an observational study led by a safety review team. the Department of Transportation, Tucson Police Department, Pima Association of Governments, Parks Department, and neighborhood residents. The assessment resulted in a series of short-term, mid-term, and long-term engineering recommendations.
Public Outreach
In addition to two public open houses (held on March 20, 2019 and March 21, 2019), the City of Tucson developed a survey to hear from community members on issues related to Sentinel Peak Park. The survey was available online from March 2019 to May 2019, in both English and Spanish. Volunteers also conducted in-person intercept surveys on Sentinel Peak, to ensure that people using the park had a chance to weigh-in. The survey was promoted through social media, various distribution lists, email, newsletters, and yard signs along Sentinel Peak Road.
VIEW THE OPEN HOUSE STATION BOARDS(PDF, 4MB)
READ THE COMMUNITY SURVEY REPORT(PDF, 5MB)
Survey Snapshot
- 2,902 total survey respondents
- 66% supported changing the current park gate hours to create designated car-free times/days on Sentinel Peak
- Nearly half (48%) of survey respondents typically visit the park in a vehicle
- Top 3 priorities for future improvements on Sentinel Peak:
- Preserving the natural environment
- Improving safety
- Improving walking and biking facilities
- Top 3 improvements that would encourage people to visit more often
- Removing trash and addressing vandalism
- Designated car-free times
- Additional park amenities - restrooms, water fountains, benches, etc.