The University of Central Arkansas Police Department and the Student Government Association are promoting pedestrian safety through the “Brake for Bears” campaign scheduled for Nov. 10.
Volunteers will encourage safety awareness throughout the day at various crosswalks. UCA police and volunteers will distribute educational fliers to pedestrians, drivers, and bicyclists along crosswalks at Bruce Streets, Farris Road, and Donaghey Avenue from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
UCA Police officials say pedestrian safety is a major concern.
“Each semester, I receive several e-mails and phone calls from students, faculty, and staff with concerns about crosswalk safety,” said UCA Police Chief Larry James. “In the past, we have responded through increased enforcement but this has only limited effectiveness. Using enforcement along with awareness we can reach out to so many more people and encourage drivers and pedestrians to be aware, be safe, and be considerate.”
Arch Jones, Jr., director of organizational & community services for UCAPD, said the police department wants the campus and the Conway community to be alert and safe. The department wants to emphasize not only drivers need to be alert, but also pedestrians.
“No matter who has the right-of-way, we all need to be alert. Pedestrian safety is everyone’s business,” he said.
Volunteers are needed to hand out fliers. Those interested in volunteering should contact Arch Jones Jr. at the UCAPD at 450-3111. For more details, go to the UCA Police website.