Watch out while jaywalking — local police officers may be watching.
In May, members of the Gainesville Police Traffic Safety Team were near Chipotle Mexican Grill at the intersection of West University Avenue and Northwest 15th Street writing tickets for crosswalk violations. Pedestrian crosswalk violation tickets start at $52.50.
Sgt. Joe Raulerson said jaywalking is a consistent issue.
Gainesville has between 160 and 183 pedestrian crashes a year, Raulerson said.
He said police officers give tickets to reinforce proper crosswalk behavior.
“The longer we stay here, though, the more folks start using the crosswalk,” he said. “That’s the whole point.”
The 2012 Florida Statute 316.130 (1) states “a pedestrian shall obey the instructions of any official traffic control device specifically applicable to the pedestrian unless otherwise directed by a police officer.”
Madelyn Thiele, a 20-year-old UF mathematics junior, was one of the students who received a ticket.
“I thought it was kinda crazy,” she said.
Thiele said the police’s efforts to encourage lawful use of the crosswalks are in vain because people will continue to cross streets at their convenience.
“It’s not gonna change anything,” she said.
