BEN DAVIDOFF

Students and others step carefully as they make their ways around the packed student union during lunch hour. Much of the recent congestion around the new student union is caused by not only walkers but a plethora of bicyclists.

Thursday August 30, 2001 |

UA officials say lack of common sense part of pedestrian problem

On-campus commuting has become increasingly hazardous this semester, partially due to area construction, students say.

"A number of times I've nearly been run down in front of Modern Languages," said Parker Hall-Ritchie, an undeclared sophomore who generally commutes by foot to class.

Though construction is attributed to many problems with pedestrian and bicycle traffic, UA officials have said that pedestrians ignoring traffic signs also contribute to the problem.

"Construction is a factor," said Gary Thomson, associate director for Parking and Transportation Services. "It is just as crowded (today) as it was (before the construction). The most important aspect is compliance - people choose not to obey signs on campus."

One staff member said he thought the number of accidents was lower than it could be.

"I'm surprised that there aren't more injuries," said Tom Galcenon, a program coordinator for the University of Arizona Mexican American studies and research center. "Common sense and courtesy are lacking."

Commander Brian Seastone of the University of Arizona Police Department stressed the importance of obeying traffic laws on campus to minimize the danger of accidents.

Bicycles, he said, must follow the same traffic regulations as cars, including stopping at stop signs and signaling, and must use lights and reflectors at night.

Pedestrians must follow their own laws, like waiting for signals at crosswalks before crossing the street, staying on the sidewalk and not standing or walking in the bike lane.

Seastone said UAPD regulates pedestrian traffic by issuing citations to bicyclists and pedestrians on streets that border campus such as Park Avenue and Sixth Street.

UAPD also directs car traffic in congested intersections such as Mountain Avenue and Second Street and uses campus security officers to help control pedestrian traffic.

Campus security officers have no actual authority to write tickets or confiscate bikes, but they patrol, report and lend public assistance.

Thomson said factors contributing to commuter overcrowding include a lack of sufficient parking spaces for both bicycles and cars. Bike rack occupancy exceeds 90 percent in some places during peak class hours.

Thomson added that this can cause pedestrians to park farther away from their classes and creates a need for them to rush.

"We're looking into increasing (bike) racks in many areas," Thomson said.

But before new racks can be installed, Thomson said he will address members of Alternative Transportation, Campus Risk Management and other departments on campus because aesthetics are important - the UA requires bike racks to be installed uniformly.