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A crash that left a bicyclist with severe injuries has College Park officials and residents convinced that greater safety measures need to be taken at the pedestrian/biker crossing on Paint Branch Parkway to prevent future accidents with far more severe results.

The man was crossing the street at the crossing mentioned on a bicycle May 21 when he was struck by a car, sustaining broken bones in his arms and pelvis as well as numerous cuts and bruises.

College Park City Councilwoman Stephanie Stullich (Dist. 3) said the incident is an indicator of even worse collisions to come.

"Cars travel very fast on [Paint Brach Parkway] and drivers don't necessarily pay attention," Stullich said. "We're lucky he wasn't killed. But there's been other close calls at that crossing, and I'm afraid it's only a matter of time."

The county has added a definitive hash-marked crossing area, median in the crossing section and a pedestrian-activated flashing yellow light within the past two years. But community members are still unsatisfied, desiring more safety features such as a red light or speed camera. So far, the county has not agreed to create additional markers for the crossing.

County Councilman Eric Olson (D–Dist. 3) of College Park said he has worked to improve the safety of a pedestrian and biker crossing on Paint Branch Parkway for seven years.

"I use that crossing multiple times a week and my young children use it as well," Olson said. "I'm well aware of the situation, and I'm very much in favor of making it the safest crossing possible."

Both Olson and Stullich favor installing a red light at the crossing in the past. They claim the flashing yellow can be ambiguous to drivers, and doesn't give them a clear indication to stop for pedestrians.

Susan Hubbard, a spokeswoman for the Prince George's Department of Public Works and Transportation, said the crossing does not have sufficient traffic volume to warrant a light.

"We've installed a crossway, a median, a beacon and additional signage — we've made it as safe as possible," Hubbard said. "At this time a red light will not be considered."

Olson said he will lobby for adding a speeding camera in the section around the crossing to ensure drivers use safe speeds around the pedestrian and biker area.

"I'd still like to see improvements made — that's my quest," Olson said. "It's going to be one of my top priorities. I'll be pushing very hard for it, and I imagine the city will as well."

Hubbard said the locations of speed cameras will be guided by state regulations. A state committee will examine all proposals for speed cameras and decide where the initial set of cameras will be placed. She added Olson has already submitted the Paint Branch Parkway crossing as a possible site, and the committee would consider it.

Stullich still hopes a red light will be added to send drivers the message to slow down and stop for pedestrians and bikers.

"I just don't accept that it can't be done," she said. "Hopefully, they'll see this accident as a wake-up call."