Pedestrian and motor vehicle traffic significantly increases each year during the fall semester and it’s important that we give you the correct tools to keep everyone safe as they traverse through our campus whether it’s on foot, on bike, on a skateboard, in a vehicle or some other form of transportation.

Below is traffic safety information from the State of Wisconsin and some additional “Special Notes” based on state statutes.

Please pay particular attention to the crosswalk information for both vehicles and pedestrians. This information is especially important along High Avenue and Algoma Boulevard, which are both two-lane, one-way, high-traffic streets involving multiple pedestrian crossings through campus.

Please remember that safety is the responsibility of all users of the roadways and crosswalks. Knowledge of the applicable laws will help everyone be safe. If you have questions please contact the UW Oshkosh Police Department at (920) 424-1212.

Thank you and please be safe!
UW Oshkosh Police Department

Cross Walk Issues

SPECIAL NOTE (1):  Consistent with State Statute 346.23(1), Drivers have the right of way at intersections controlled by a traffic signal when that signal is green. The pedestrian has the right of way if the signal is green or a “walk” signal is displayed for their direction of travel.

This is especially important in front of Dempsey Hall on Algoma Boulevard. There have been cases where well-intentioned drivers have stopped at a green light to allow pedestrians to cross. Although well-intentioned, it is a dangerous practice and contrary to the law. The other lane of traffic still has the green signal and this may cause a pedestrian/vehicle accident. Remember: At traffic-light-controlled intersections, the light and/or “walk” signal will determine the right of way for pedestrians and vehicles. 

SPECIAL NOTE (2):  Consistent with State Statute 346.24:
346.24  Crossing at uncontrolled intersection or crosswalk.
346.24(1)(1) At an intersection or crosswalk where traffic is not controlled by traffic control signals or by a traffic officer, the operator of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian, or to a person riding a bicycle or electric personal assistive mobility device in a manner which is consistent with the safe use of the crosswalk by pedestrians, who is crossing the highway within a marked or unmarked crosswalk. 

NOTE: An unmarked crosswalk would be an area that is not marked on the road but is a crosswalk from one sidewalk to another at an intersection.

346.24(2) (2) No pedestrian, bicyclist or rider of an electric personal assistive mobility device shall suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk, run or ride into the path of a vehicle which is so close that it is difficult for the operator of the vehicle to yield.
346.24(3) (3) Whenever any vehicle is stopped at an intersection or crosswalk to permit a pedestrian, bicyclist or rider of an electric personal assistive mobility device to cross the roadway, the operator of any other vehicle approaching from the rear shall not overtake and pass the stopped vehicle.

CLARIFICATIONS:
1.    It is important, especially in the area of Sage Hall, that pedestrians use crosswalks and traffic-controlled crosswalks (i.e. the “Hawk” crossing signal). Pedestrians do not have the right of way in areas that do not have a marked or unmarked crosswalk.

2.    Vehicles are required to yield the right of way to pedestrians crossing the road. However, pedestrians should not leave the curb with a car oncoming that could not safely stop in the distance available.

3.    If a vehicle is stopped in one lane, then all traffic in the other lane must also stop.  Again, this is an important point for the area in front of Dempsey Hall. It is unsafe to stop at a green light as vehicular traffic has the right of way at a green light. We encourage pedestrians to please use the button on the light pole in order to activate the traffic light to give pedestrians the right of way to cross.