Members of the Ohio University Student Senate are making plans to improve pedestrian safety on Richland Avenue.
At last night's meeting, Brian Footer, senator for city and county affairs, outlined the city's and school's plans to protect pedestrians crossing Richland Avenue, especially in the area between the West Green residence halls and Porter and Grover halls. A student was struck by a car while crossing Richland in that area earlier this quarter.
Students mistake two brick pathways that cross Richland for crosswalks and assume they have the right-of-way, Footer said. Plans include the installation of rumble strips and pedestrian signs on the road to alert drivers of high student traffic in the area. Additionally, the center lane, which runs northbound, will be barricaded between the Richland Avenue bridge and the intersection of West Green Drive, creating an island in which pedestrians can wait in the middle of the road. The short-term changes will be made during winter break and should be ready for the beginning of next quarter.
After the completion of the new student center, located adjacent to the bridge, city and university officials will consider whether to create a road between Richland with Oxbow Trail, which runs under the bridge. This would create a new intersection and another point where students could safely cross the street, Footer said.
Senators also reflected on the success of last weekend's Halloween activities. Members of student senate worked door-to-door on campus to inform students how to enjoy themselves while remaining safe prior to the event.
We really did try to reach out to students
and they were listening senate President Kristen Jensen said.
The attitude of the students and their guests was pretty good said senate faculty adviser Mike Sostarich, who volunteered to patrol the streets during Saturday's celebration. I though everyone was doing well compared to past years.
Senators also adopted a resolution that will allow Treasurer Mike Easterday and Senator Bryan O'Shea to retain their positions while they are studying away from campus next quarter.
Both of them are valuable to Student Senate
and we can't afford to lose them
said Annie Marsico, senator for academic affairs and one of the resolution's sponsors.
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