Media Advisory: Safety event to highlight new pedestrian crosswalk features along University Avenue

New raised pedestrian crosswalks along University Avenue will be among several changes that Florida Department of Transportation and University of Florida Police officials will highlight during their annual pedestrian and traffic safety event. 

On Thursday, Aug. 22, representatives from both organizations will be at the southwest corner of University Avenue and 13th Street encouraging safe pedestrian and driving behaviors during peak traffic times from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.

This annual event is held during the first week of school with the goal of educating the campus community about pedestrian, scooter, and bicycle safety. Officials will bring awareness to FDOT’s ongoing safety improvements to University Avenue, such as the two new raised pedestrian crosswalks that also serve as traffic calming devices. 

The crosswalks are the latest pedestrian-focused improvements made by FDOT that began in 2021 and include adjusted stoplight timing, increased and improved signage, freshly striped and raised crosswalks, lighting upgrades, and signalized crosswalks at both 16th and 19th streets. 

What: FDOT, UF pedestrian and traffic safety event 
When: Thursday, Aug. 22 at 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Media availability with Interim UFPD Chief Bart Knowles at 11:30 a.m.
Where: 1325 W University Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601 (at the corner of the university arch and seal)

Media partners seeking parking accommodations must confirm attendance by EOB on Aug. 21. Please email croldan@ufl.edu to confirm attendance.

Media contacts: 
UF: Cynthia Roldán Hernández, 561-452-4242, croldan@ufl.edu  
FDOT: Tracy Hisler-Pace, 386-758-3714, Tracy.Hisler-Pace@dot.state.fl.us
UFPD: Lt. Trever Henderson, 352-494-9797