US school creates ‘texting lane’ for phone-focused walkers

Utah Valley University's bright green lane painted on the stairs to the gym was intended as a lighthearted way to brighten up the space and get students’ attention.

Picture via Utah Valley University Marketing And Communications

Salt Lake City - One US university is giving students glued to their cellphones a place to call their own: a designated lane for texting while walking.

Utah Valley University spokeswoman Melinda Colton said on Thursday the bright green lane painted on the stairs to the gym was intended as a lighthearted way to brighten up the space and get students’ attention.

And it worked, as a picture posted online created widespread buzz on social media this week.

Twenty-two-year-old student Chelsea Meza said the idea touches on a cultural reality in an age of ubiquitous cellphones. She says some texting students have used it.

Property managers in the Chinese city of Chongqing did something similar last year with a designated sidewalk lane for smartphone users.