The relocation of the Appalachian State University Police Department to the Rivers Street Parking Deck has resulted in an increased number of motor vehicle violation citations issued.
    Over half the citations issued this semester on Rivers Street were speeding violations between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. These are peak class time hours for Appalachian students.
    This means students are apt to be crossing Rivers Street in droves between these hours.
    Traffic is equally as likely to be thick at this time as people rush to get from place to place.
    Police are aiding efforts to protect pedestrians by cracking down on speeders. Their effort to enforce the speed limit on Rivers Street has proven successful with the increased number of tickets issued.
    Increased enforcement of the speed limit does increase the safety of pedestrians. Slowing speeding drivers through a heavy pedestrian area obviously contributes to the safety of those crossing the street.
    But is this all we can do to further ensure the protection of ASU pedestrians?
       There are currently four marked pedestrian crosswalks on Rivers Street. These areas marked by white lines or faux brick and a push-button pedestrian signal.