TAMPA, Fla. — The City of Tampa is making pedestrians a precedence.
As a motorcycle supply driver, Darin Underwood is aware of each bend and curve of the streets of downtown Tampa.
“I ride through Franklin probably 20 times a day,” Underwood stated.
He additionally is aware of the intersection of N. Franklin Street and E. Zack Street isn’t all the time the most secure for bikers and pedestrians.
“Sometimes some people don’t be paying attention to the lights sometimes,” he stated.
It is a matter the City of Tampa is addressing. The mobility division has transformed the site visitors lights on the intersection of Franklin and Zack right into a four-way stop. All drivers can be anticipated to stop earlier than continuing, and pedestrians will not have to look ahead to a stroll sign.
“I have to admit, sometimes I walk across the street and miss the little red hand. If there’s no traffic, I just cross,” stated Janet Skeens.
A current site visitors research confirmed that there are extra folks strolling than driving on Franklin avenue. In a 12-hour interval, there have been about 2,600 pedestrian crossings.
“We had almost the same amount of people walking on Franklin street as we did on the Tampa River Walk, so the numbers really are striking,” stated Karen Kress, the Director of Transportation and Planning on the Tampa Downtown Partnership.
Transitioning to a four-way stop prioritizes entry for pedestrians.
“Right now, the sign is basically kind of telling pedestrians to stop for automobiles. A four-way stop tells automobiles to stop for pedestrians,” stated Brandon Campbell, City of Tampa Smart Mobility Manager.
For the time being, the present site visitors alerts will flash pink. After a transition interval, the lights can be eliminated, leaving the brand new stop indicators in place.