 |
 |
By Tom Collins
Arizona Daily Wildcat
November 1, 1996
The design and congestion of the North Olive Road underpass at Speedway Boulevard are two of the reasons why bicyclists are prohibited from riding through the tunnel.Another reason is the death of media arts Adjunct Lecturer Stuart Bergsma. The 63-year-old died Jan. 31, 1991 from injuries sustained in a three-bicycle accident in the underpass.
Today, there is a $25 fine for riding through the underpass, and one can still see the distinction in the walkway that indicates the former bicycle lane.
Bicycle traffic is banned in the tunnel for several reasons, said Steve Holland, director of Risk Management and Safety for the University of Arizona.
First, Holland said the underpass sees more pedestrian traffic than the East Speedway Boulevard underpasses at North Warren Avenue or North Highland Avenue, with "hundreds" of students passing through it each hour.
He also said more university visitors use the tunnel to access Crowder Hall and other public areas.
Another consideration in closing the underpass to bicycle traffic a "couple of years" ago was the bicycle lanes themselves, Holland said.
Unlike the Warren Avenue underpass, he said the Olive Road underpass lacks a clear break in the pavement to indicate the bicycle lane. He said the Highland Avenue underpass also lacks a pavement break, but said there is considerably less pedestrian traffic through that underpass.
Holland said the fatal accident was not a "driving force" behind the decision to close the underpass to bicycles, but it was a consideration.
"It supported the notion that it (the underpass) was crowded," Holland said.
He also said the grade of the entry points into the walkway was not a factor.
Despite the ban and possible fine, bicyclists still ride through the tunnel.
"If you stood here an hour you would see two or three people do it," said Jay Langdon, management graduate student. "It's a common occurrence."
Langdon said he sees bicyclists go through the underpass unless a police officer is present. He said most riders who are caught are warned rather than ticketed.
Graphic design senior Paul Calandrella said he has also seen bicyclists ride through the tunnel.
"If I'm really paying attention," Calandrella said. He said he sees bicyclists ride through the underpass "probably every day."
"People actually stop," said Greg Darland, psychology senior. But, Darland said he only takes one class near the underpass.
Holland said the University of Arizona Police Department is responsible for all traffic violations.
UAPD Lt. Brian Seastone said the there have been a "minimal" number of bicycle accidents in the tunnel.
Seastone said officers are more likely to issue warnings than citations, as they do with automobile traffic violations. However, officers do not look for violators at the Olive Road underpass more then they do anywhere else, Seastone said.
"The only time it would be targeted is if there was a problem or complaints that warranted greater attention," Seastone said.
Holland said the university would not be liable if a bicycle accident were to occur in the tunnel. He said the bicyclist, like a motorist, would be responsible for his actions.
"The university doesn't drive private vehicles, and doesn't operate bicycles," Holland said.
In 1995, there were three injury-causing bicycle accidents reported to police, and only 15 accidents reported on campus, according to UAPD statistics.
|
|
|