Sharon Bensing Photo Essay: 'Pedestrian Unfriendly'

MetroJacksonville.com is working with Ana Kamiar, MFA, of the Art Institute of Jacksonville to create a series of student created photo essays that highlight the people, environment, culture and thoughts of the metro Jacksonville region. This is their response. Images by Sharon Bensing.

Image by Sharon Bensing
Photo Editor, Ana Kamiar, MFA

Crosswalks in the Baymeadows area only give pedestrians the walk light for about three seconds. In that time, it’s impossible to get more than four feet from the curb.



Image by Sharon Bensing
Photo Editor, Ana Kamiar, MFA

Cars commonly stop in the pedestrian crosswalk rather than before the white line.



Image by Sharon Bensing
Photo Editor, Ana Kamiar, MFA

Some areas completely lack a pedestrian crosswalk where they are necessary. Pedestrians are forced to wait for an exuberantly long time before a break in traffic occurs. Once found, they have to make a run for it.


Image by Sharon Bensing
Photo Editor, Ana Kamiar, MFA

When there is a “no right turn on red” sign, cars still turn even if pedestrians have the right away.


Image by Sharon Bensing
Photo Editor, Ana Kamiar, MFA

It may seem easy to get across the street when traffic is at a stand still, but don’t be fooled.  Drivers inch up towards the other cars in front of them, causing a chain reaction of now moving cars.


Image by Sharon Bensing
Photo Editor, Ana Kamiar, MFA

More sidewalks are needed around numerous areas in Jacksonville.  People walking along the side of this busy street formed a natural dirt path in the grass.