Police: 14-year-old boy pushing bike hit by car while crossing busy east Charlotte road

CHARLOTTE — Police say a driver hit a 14-year-old boy who was pushing his bicycle across East Independence Boulevard in east Charlotte during rush hour Friday night.

[9 Investigates: Pedestrians risking it all to cross Independence Boulevard]

The crash happened around 6 p.m. at the intersection of Independence Boulevard and Eastway Drive.

The teen was taken to the hospital, but he is expected to be OK.

9 Investigates: Pedestrians risking it all to cross Independence Boulevard 9 Investigates: Pedestrians risking it all to cross Independence Boulevard

Nearly every day, people try to make their way across Independence Boulevard. NCDOT said they need the public’s help as they study ways to make the area safer for pedestrians.

They are studying Independence from Interstate 277 to Interstate 485 in Matthews to find the danger spots and pinpoint what improvements need to be made.

Channel 9 has investigated the dangers on Independence Boulevard for the last two years. Overpasses are about a mile apart, but as we have seen, they are rarely used.

The study is expected to be finished by the spring. NCDOT will draft recommendations for city and state leaders to consider.

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