Getting to class on time can be difficult for many students, especially on an urban campus. VCU police have stationed officers to direct traffic during peak hours to help with the problem.
One of the busiest streets on campus is the section of Floyd Avenue between the University Student Commons and Cabell Library. According to Cpl. Rebecca Ellison, a VCU police crime-prevention specialist, officers have been stationed at the Floyd location for about five months and are present each weekday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“The university has come up with that particular time frame because that is the busiest time between classes, with people coming in and out of the Student Commons and going to the library,” Ellison said.
Many students said the officers are a necessity at the Floyd crossing.
“They definitely help with the flow of traffic,” said Kelsey Meredith, a sophomore education major. “Normally, students continue to cross the street . and traffic eventually gets backed way up. It can be a big nuisance for some drivers.”
Although a stoplight is a possible solution to the traffic problem, there are some difficulties with this idea, according to Ellison.
“Everyone needs to keep in mind that it is a city street,” Ellison said. “So it would have to go through the city of Richmond.”
Traffic control is the best solution police have at the moment, Ellison said.
Some students said the officers are more effective than a stoplight.
“They are able to see where the backups are and adjust accordingly,” said Amanda Seiler, a sophomore education major. “And a stoplight can’t do that.”
Although a stoplight might never be installed at the Floyd Avenue crosswalk, students said they do not worry about traffic problems as long as the police are present to direct traffic.
“That area is always busy and students constantly walk back and forth through the day,” Meredith said. “So it is nice to have some assistance in that area.”