Pedestrians, drivers encounter new crosswalks on University Avenue

A man holds a sign while standing at the corner of a street intersection. — Photo courtesy of FDOT

Officer Renee Jost beckoned the attention of a pedestrian on University Avenue who ignored the crossing signal that had just shifted to a glaring red hand.

“No, go back,” said Jost, as the pedestrian flung their arms in the air and begrudgingly returned to the sidewalk.

It wasn’t the last person Jost, a University of Florida Police officer, had to stop in their tracks on Thursday — which was also the first day of classes at UF. She corrected a moped rider who attempted to bypass vehicles through the bike lane and a driver intending to make a right turn at the no-turn-on-red corner of University Avenue and 13th Street, among others.

Her educational efforts were part of an annual pedestrian and traffic safety campaign held by the Florida Department of Transportation and UF officials, with the goal of encouraging safe pedestrian and driving behaviors.

“Safety is everyone’s responsibility,” said Tracy Hisler-Pace, FDOT spokeswoman. “Being safe isn’t just about following the rules, it is about caring for everyone on the road by being mindful, focused, and responsible.”

Since 2021, FDOT has made a series of pedestrian-focused improvements along University Avenue, which include traffic signals at the intersections of 16th and 19th Streets. During Thursday’s event, two new elevated pedestrian crosswalks were highlighted as the latest enhancements. The crosswalks replaced temporary speed tables that were installed in 2022, while the agency conducted reviews of traffic and pedestrian behaviors.

While Jost said she understood why drivers and pedestrians at times appeared frustrated when stopped by her, their actions served as an example of why pedestrian and traffic safety education are a continuing need. Simply installing the signals and traffic devices are not enough, she said.

“I understand that most people are preoccupied with getting to their destination,” Jost added. “But it is important for everyone to slow down and remember that it’s better to be safe. I also want them to get to their destination. I just want them to do so safely.”