VCU news

By Corey Byers

The Virginia Commonwealth University Police Department is partnering with VCU Parking and Transportation, RAM Bikes and Drive Smart Virginia to raise awareness about bike and pedestrian safety around VCU.

In VCU’s urban environment, thousands of people use sidewalks and roadways on campus on any given day. Depending on how (and where) someone travels will determine what laws they have to follow.

For example, drivers should remember to give pedestrians that have the right of way the time and space to walk across crosswalks. Bicyclists traveling on roadways need to follow traffic laws; bicyclists can ride on sidewalks but have to yield to pedestrians. Pedestrians who do not have the right of way should yield to vehicles and bikes traveling during a green light.

In addition, VCU Police wants to remind drivers that a new state law requires them to travel at least three feet away from bikes when passing them.

VCUPD Officer Matt Ruland will be available at the following intersections providing information on bike and pedestrian safety during the awareness week:

Sept.15, noon to 1 p.m.: Shafer Street and West Franklin Street

Sept. 16, noon to 1 p.m.: Floyd Avenue and North Linden Street

Sept. 17, noon to 1 p.m.: South Belvidere and West Main Street

Sept. 18, noon to 1 p.m.: North 11th Street and East Leigh Street (Crosswalk)

Sept. 19, 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.: South Linden Street and West Cary Street Crosswalk (Officer Ruland will be accompanied by a representative from Drive Smart Virginia.)

 

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