Page 2

November 2008

CAMPUS

Fence set to deter jaywalking The $190,000 fence will force jaywalkers to walk up to crosswalk

By Jarrod Yeo The Cadre

Jaywalking on University Avenue could soon be com- ing to a screeching halt.

UPEI officials are hoping the construction of a rod iron fence on campus along one of Charlottetown’s busiest streets will deter students from darting out in front of traffic.

Many drivers complain about students who cross the street from Brown’s Court instead of using the cross- walk in an effort to save time getting to and from class.

Justin Douglas, UPEI ‘s Student Union _ president, said it’s a problem that has concerned UPEI and city of- ficials for quite some time.

“People should finally be

deterred from jaywalking since it will no longer save them time.”

Funded by the UPEI capital reserves, the aesthetically ap- propriate fence, which spans roughly 200 metres from the Brown’s Court intersection to Bernadine Hall, cost ap- proximately $190,000. Capi- tal reserves generally address existing and future upgrade requirements to buildings, parking lots and other uni- versity facilities and are al- located through grants and tax dollars.

Student tuition is not in- cluded.

Douglas said he knows it sounds expensive but that you can’t put a price tag on student safety.

“Tt’s not cheap, but you’ve got to weigh the pros and cons. As you can see, it’s not

an eyesore. We could have thrown up some orange snow fencing but we’ve invested in something that looks good

and that goes with the other .

renovations that have been going on around the cam- pus.”

University officials tried a number of ways to get the message to students to use the crosswalk in the past, but many students continued to run across the road, causing a driving hazard on the four- lane roadway.

Last spring, four students dressed as The Beatles staged a recreation of the famous Abbey Road album cover for a photo campaign aimed at encouraging UPEI students to use the crosswalk at the entrance to the univer- sity.

Although the attempt was

UPEI Cadre

TL

The new fence on Univeristy Avenue is aimed at deter- ring jaywalking and cost $190,000. Cadre photo

applauded by city officials and police for its creativity, students continued jaywalk- ing.

Student opinion concern- ing the fence seemed mixed. While some complained the costs are excessive and that

‘it will serve as an inconve-

nience when traffic volumes are low, the majority agreed

it’s a matter of time before someone gets hurt while jay- walking on University Av-

. enue.

Douglas reiterated the safe- ty aspect.

“IT understand their con- cerns but if it’s at night and it takes and extra minute and a half, it’s worth it. I’d rather see them arrive home safe.”

S$ MTE OX EN OP Hos 1as/| Lhe Diversity Office - Y TIN U:M:MO-C N DN NERM

E NL Bea -A RIL Oe BSP AS Word Puzzle GOLMDNUA.Ee LIM Tat Want more info? upei.ca/studentservices/diversity-office S PBN SB KeS 7 3 tL Ox OG ee

AS IM 2 LAR Lit BSP Acceptance _ TheDO FUXG.NTI' DN ATS RE DN Inclusion Diversity

ELET R EL G COR AGS ES Resources Empowerment ZCLD eC *S4 RSC TUGRRE To Equality

ONF I 2 1 eM oe eeu an NIEA EO TU CTNOLRE Kk Background Understanding RMPO WE RM ENTN LIFE Community Consideration PMER ROC Ni fe LET Nee Sharing - Similarities

S PRE EB: TfNUV BOV Me GdDes Volunteer Differences

YT SR reo tops? 5. eee