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Editor:
I'm writing this in response to Chris Badeaux's column ("Bicyclists: Obey traffic laws and avoid flying rocks," Sept. 13) addressing the problem of bicycles and pedestrians coexisting. I can relate to Badeaux's views on inconsiderate bicyclists zooming by me. But I don't believe the solution is throwing rocks and stating "OBEY TRAFFIC LAWS." We need real solutions to this problem and not some silly fantasy response.
First, we must understand why bicyclists run stop signs. In a car it may be easy to depress the brakes because that big gas pedal is what makes you go, but on a bicycle a lot of energy, sweat and muscle go into every ounce of movement. Brakes just take all of that effort and translate it all into heat and waste. Then the bicyclist has to start accelerating all over again. This is definitely no excuse for running stop signs, but we must understand what is going on, and that a bicyclist is not just running them for amusement. When is the last time you drove over the speed limit? Bicyclists are not evil incarnate.
The problem is that there are lots of bikes and lots of people and somehow we must share the road. Bicyclists cannot stop at every crosswalk for pedestrians from Cherry to Old Main. Pedestrians cannot play chicken across every street. One solution is trying to create a better infrastructure of bicycle paths to get around campus, one that would divert traffic away from high pedestrian zones. Maybe a path leading to the back side of the Harvill Building. Taking down the gate next to Yavapai would also relieve some congestion. Traffic calming effects like speed bumps, and more yield signs could be effective. By the way, four-way stops only compound problems with everyone looking at each other and finally they wave the bicyclists through after a one minute confrontation.
With parking permits getting more expensive and spaces more scarce, bicycling needs to be celebrated not condemned. Parking and Transportation is trying to suck more money out of you and one way you can fight back is to ride a bicycle. Bicyclists need to slow down, sit back and enjoy the campus. Maybe even be kind once in a while and yield to someone else. Pedestrians need to look where they are going and not walk in bike lanes. Education and communication to bicyclists and pedestrians is one step in alleviating our current conflict. Can't we all get along?
Edwin Wong
education senior
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