Panhandling on medians is dangerous and should have been banned in Gainesville long ago, but such a measure is just a small part of better preventing traffic deaths here.
Gainesville city commissioners recently approved on first reading an ordinance that would allow police to fine anyone who sits or stands on a traffic median 6 feet wide or less. The final reading of the ordinance is scheduled this week.
The measureâs passage would come nearly two years after the death of 52-year-old David Washington, who was killed when he was hit by a car while panhandling on a median at the intersection of Northwest 43rd Street and 16th Boulevard.
Commissioners should be credited for moving forward with improvements that will save lives, but need to finish the job before there are more senseless tragedies.
Home/Law and public safety/GPD, City Officials Respond to Recent Traffic Tragedies Near UF Campus
Gainesville City Commissioners meet on Thursday between plexiglass barriers to discuss improving pedestrian safety near the University of Florida campus. (Alexis Pollak/WUFT News)
GPD, City Officials Respond to Recent Traffic Tragedies Near UF Campus
By Alexis Pollak
January 22, 2021
The Gainesville Police Department has announced a traffic safety crackdown in the wake of multiple recent deaths of University of Florida students on streets near the campus.
Calling its new initiative Gator STEP (Special Traffic Enforcement Program), GPD said it would begin conducting high visibility traffic enforcement along West University Avenue, SW Archer Road, SW 34th Street, SW 13th Street and other roadways across the city.
Less than a week after a University of Florida student died and four other pedestrians were injured in a crash on West University Avenue, Gainesville Police have announced a new program of “enhanced traffic enforcement” aimed at making busy areas safer for students and the community.
The program, called Gator STEP Special Traffic Enforcement Program will see GPD work alongside other city departments, UF and other agencies. Gator STEP will conduct high-visibility traffic enforcement along roadways adjacent to campus, including West University Avenue, Archer Road, Southwest 34th Street and Southwest 13th Street. Other Gainesville roadways will be included as well.