People driving on campus might have noticed the bright-green “stop for pedestrians” signs bolted in the middle of the main roadways around campus. A few weeks ago, these signs were placed at multiple crosswalks on the roads surrounding campus by employees of Sacramento State’s Facilities Services department.

“The intent is to slow traffic down and protect pedestrians,” said Ron Richardson, Associate Vice President of Facilities. Discussions have been held over the last few months within the Administration, Business Affairs, Public Safety, University Transit and Parking Services and Facilities Services regarding campus pedestrian safety, Richardson said.

During these discussions it was recommended from the Transportation Advisory Committee that improvements should be made to send a message to drivers to stop for pedestrians and improve the Hornet Crossing.

“I had to make extra-wide turns not to hit one of those signs,” Savaire Magee, a junior psychology major said. “I have noticed (the signs) because they’re everywhere. I’ve always been aware of pedestrians and I can usually see them in the crosswalks but now with the signs you can’t miss them.”

According to the Sacramento State Police media log, in the past six weeks there has been one report of a collision involved a bicycle and a vehicle that occurred on Dec. 3. No injuries were reported in that incident and no reports of any accidents involving pedestrians.

Following the improvement discussions it was determined that the installation of pedestrian yield signs at crosswalks on the main campus roadways would further improve pedestrian safety on campus, Richardson said.

“I feel safe as a pedestrian when I walk from my car to class,” Julie Pham, senior communications major said. “I’ve never seen anyone get hit or come close to being hit but I think the signs are definitely going to make people more careful.” Facilities are in the process of conducting an estimate for the cost of installing thermo plastic reflective surfaces, a material that takes the place of white paint on the road surface. The plastic would be placed at crosswalks and stop signs, Richardson said.

Gina Cruz can be reached [email protected].