A durable sidewalk system will do wonders for a community.
It has positive effects on people, traffic and the environment.
Sidewalks assist thousands of students who rely on safe access to and from their classes. It can do as little as making your walks around campus easier and pleasing.
It is very evident that FAMU is already revamping many of its older buildings such as Sampson and Young Halls.
This is not to dismiss the renovations that are under way, but better pathways enhance the biking, driving, and bicycling experience for the public on campus.
In general, the improvement of pathways will boost personal enjoyment, fitness, safety, economy and the environment within our community.
According to sidewalksformeade.org over 40 percent of Americans are overweight.
In terms of personal enjoyment and fitness, sidewalks will encourage more exercise and physical activity, which offers everyone a chance to step outside and get active among each other while enjoying fresh air.
It gives students and the community a place to relax and engage in activities such as bike riding, jogging, and skateboarding for some.
This will improve the campus health and vibe with deep community relations.
Campus safety is another area that would improve.
Pedestrians will be safe from motorists and the sidewalks will separate them from the very busy Wahnish Way and Gamble Street, where drivers could conflict with pedestrians and cause accidents, especially around morning and evening rush hours.
Certain portions of Gamble Street, from the Gore Educational Complex to Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, could use another set of sidewalks to prevent students from having to walk in the streets when going to class. Ramps, gutters, and curbs seem minor, but are huge for persons of disabilities who need to merge onto streets and sidewalks in a more simple and safely manner.
Widening narrow sidewalks also makes a difference. In a functional transit system at least 2.59 meters, or 8.5 feet, of public right-of-way should be dedicated to the sidewalk corridor.
These improvements certainly give the handicapped and visually impaired more space to move around.These pathways also provide security to the residents and offices.
Criminals would be deterred from the area because of the ongoing activity among people that may prevent burglaries and robberies in an active community.
Better pathways aid in the safety of the students walking at night on and off campus. Here students rely on pathways in well-lit areas to get to their destinations without the risk of hiking through dark woods or any secluded spots.
It makes it comfortable for any one and relieves the fear of being assaulted or robbed.
According to the National Personal Transportation Survey, 40 percent of car trips in the U.S. are less than two miles. Therefore more sidewalks would increase walking and decrease the use of cars for short trips, saving gas and lowering emissions. The less C02 emitted into the atmosphere means a less polluted campus environment.