Florida A&M University recently repaved the road between the School of Business and Industry and the School of Journalism and Graphic Communication, removing existing speed bumps in the process. This change has sparked debate among students and staff about campus safety.
The Florida Department of Transportation emphasizes the importance of speed control in improving road safety and advises drivers to slow down in construction and school zones.
Third-year architecture student Roger Williams disagreed with the decision to remove the speed bumps entirely, stressing the need for speed regulation in pedestrian-heavy areas.
“Speed bumps are a simple but effective way to ensure cars reduce their speed, especially in areas where students frequently cross. Removing them without an alternative solution jeopardizes safety,” Williams said.
The installation of speed bumps on Trudie Perkins Way at Florida A&M University is expected to be completed by Friday, according to Kendall Jones, associate vice president of facilities, planning, construction and safety.
“The speed bumps are being installed on the east side and should be finished by Friday,” Jones said. “The other side is currently in progress, with the asphalt being allowed to cure before the speed tables are put in place.”
Jones added that the remaining work on Trudie Perkins Way is scheduled for the end of the semester to avoid disrupting students.
“The second phase is more involved and requires digging up piping, so we’ve planned it during a less active time on campus,” he said.
As the campus community adjusts to the newly resurfaced roads, debate continues over whether the removal of speed bumps will increase safety risks. University officials have yet to disclose any updates regarding speed bumps in the area between the School of Business and Industry and the School of Journalism and Graphic Communication.
Meanwhile, students and faculty are advised to use caution when traveling around the university, particularly in areas with heavy pedestrian activity. The campus community remains divided, with some advocating for the return of speed bumps or other traffic-calming measures to ensure pedestrian safety.
