Officials have no real explanation for why there was such an increase in accidents over the year, but that question has some students wondering how to educate others on the danger of the street. A group of six UW-River Falls speech communications class members took it upon themselves to find solutions to the problem. They formed Pedestrian Safety Friends, and they have begun a safety campaign on campus. Bright red and yellow fliers posted in buildings across campus urge students to be on the lookout when they cross Cascade Avenue. The campaign originated from a class assignment, but some members really took the problem to heart and discussed the issue.
Cars just go through.
People need to be more careful. Getting people to pay attention is part of the problem, said group member Janet Stradtman. The street is owned by the city and not the University, and she said this may put limits on what the group can and can't do to help the situation and make the problem more visible. Sharon Bonesho, Campus Security secretary, said she agrees. It's ultimately a city decision.