Nov. 22, 2013

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) announces an increased focus on pedestrian safety during a week-long campaign on Florida State and University of Florida campuses. These events are geared towards promoting awareness of pedestrian and bicycle safety. Events will be conducted November 23 – 30, 2013, in Tallahassee and Gainesville.

The campaign reminds you to stay Alert Today Alive Tomorrow and will be highlighted during the following events:

FSU/Idaho Football Game on November 23, 2013 at Florida State University

UF/FSU Basketball Game on November 29, 2013 at the University of Florida

UF/FSU Football Game on November 30, 2013 at the University of Florida

Representatives from Florida’s Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Coalition and Florida’s Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Resource Center will be on site at these events with special university-themed t-shirts and bicycle giveaways to promote the initiative.

Campaign messaging will be promoted on the Gator and Seminole Official athletic websites:

Gatorzone.com and Seminoles.com

Posts on the Gator and Seminoles official Facebook pages

Messaging on the electronic entry signage to the UF campus

Additional Events/Activities Include:

Sunday, November 24 – Team Florida Cycling Ride Along – Come out and join Team Florida Cycling on the most fun ride of the year! 100 miles of pure enjoyment!  This is the time of the year to reunite Alumni and Team Florida followers. Bring back and share those great memories that you spent with the team, whether racing, volunteering, or simply enjoying great rides and company. Departure time and location is 9:00 AM @ University of Florida at Turlington Plaza.  There will be shorter rides as well ranging from 30 to 60 miles. T-shirts provided by FDOT will be distributed to all participants.

Monday, November 25, 2013 – FSU Women’s Volleyball vs. Duke – messaging during game promoting safe bicycle and pedestrian awareness

Tuesday, November 26, 2013 – UF Women’s Basketball vs. St. Johns – T-Shirts and a bicycle giveaway during the game along with messaging in venue and throughout game promoting safe bicycle and pedestrian awareness

Thursday, November 28, 2013 – FSU Volleyball vs. Clemson – messaging during game promoting bicycle Safety and awareness

Friday, November 29, 2013 –UF-FSU basketball game in Gainesville and special t-shirt distribution to the Rowdy Reptiles student section at the game and through signage and in game announcements and a bicycle giveaway

Saturday, November 29^th – FSU Women’s Volleyball vs. Georgia Tech – messaging during game promoting bicycle safety and awareness

Depending on where you live and work, commuting to work on a bicycle or by foot is an increasingly realistic and feasible option. In some instances, it can be as fast as driving if parking is an issue, and for others, it can be cheaper than driving, and a good way to get in some daily low-impact exercise.

Whether you walk, bike, or drive- always remember to follow these safety tips:

PEDESTRIANS

• Obey All Traffic Laws. As a road user you should always obey the pedestrian traffic laws to be safe on the road. If no sidewalks are present walk against the direction of traffic so you can see oncoming vehicles.
• Always use the crosswalk. The marked crosswalk at signalized intersections is the safest place to cross.
• Look, and then look again. Look left, right then left again before crossing.
• Be visible. Wear bright colors and reflective accessories such as belts, clothes, wristbands and shoes.

BICYCLISTS

• Obey All Traffic Laws. A bicycle is a vehicle and you’re a driver. You should ride in the same direction of traffic on the street; obey all traffic signs, signals, and lane markings.
• Yield to Traffic When Appropriate. It’s better to yield than “be in the right” and risk injury.
• Be Predictable. Ride in a straight line and be sure those around you understand your intentions.
• Be Visible. Spend a little extra on lights to get a bright headlight and taillight, and always use them at night. Position yourself in the lane so others can easily see you, especially at intersections.
• Watch for Parked Cars. Don’t ride in the “door zone” of parked cars even when the bike lane is adjacent to them.

DRIVERS

• Obey All Traffic Laws. Stop or yield for pedestrians and bicycles and obey laws to be safe.
• Stop before making a right on red. Pedestrians and bicyclists using the crosswalks at intersections rely on this time to cross. If you do not stop, you can hit them before you see them.
• Share the road. All users including pedestrians and bicyclists are allowed to use the roads safely. Respect and share the road.

For more information on the Alert Today Alive Tomorrow campaign please contact Trenda McPherson at 850 414-4025, trenda.mcpherson@dot.state.fl.us. Or visit our website at www.alerttodayflorida.com