Rude riding

Transportation plays a large role in the life of a college student. Whether it's getting from one class to another, to the mall or to a party, it's something we encounter on a daily basis. However, certain forms of transportation, such as bicycling, can cause many problems.\nAs a freshman at IU, I had to get used to many things: over-friendly wildlife, long processes in the financial aid office and early-morning classes. Still, I didn't expect to have to adapt to obnoxious bicyclists. In walking from one class to another, time and time again, rude and impatient bicyclists buzzed me without even an "excuse me", "watch out" or anything. I have seen bicyclists crash into, or cut off, numerous pedestrians around campus. My friend actually went to the hospital for a dislocated shoulder from a bicyclist colliding with her. It's hard enough walking frantically to class while being stalked by squirrels. I shouldn't have to dodge the countless bicyclists barreling toward their destinations. Although I understand that it is an efficient way to move about IU, certain precautions should be taken to ensure the safety of all and a better campus environment. \nAccording to IU's Parking Operations Web site (http://www.iubus.indiana.edu/parking_operations/index.html): "Indiana law gives cyclists the same rights and privileges as motor vehicle drivers... It also means that when you are bicycling, you should know the applicable traffic laws and act accordingly." Here are some precautions bicyclists can take when riding on campus: \n• Obey traffic signs and signals. Bicyclists have the same rights as motorists -- not pedestrians. When approaching any traffic signal, follow the sign as any motorist should. That's including stop and yield signs! \n• Use hand signals. When on the street, you should signal the direction you plan to turn. According to Parking Operations, "Signal as a matter of law, courtesy and self-protection." \n• Watch your speed. When riding on the sidewalk, reduce your speed as you might find it difficult to move through hundreds of pedestrians. Watching your speed will significantly reduce the risk of collisions. \n• Ride in a straight line. Parking Operations says: "Ride to the right of faster traffic in a straight line about a car door's width away from parked cars." \n• Respect pedestrians' rights. Don't cross sidewalks without yielding to pedestrians. Also, when possible, avoid riding on sidewalks by using the street, bike lane or bike path. This will reduce the number of angry pedestrians you face and the potential for conflict.\n• If you think I'm strict, Parking Operations says bicycles should not be ridden against the flow of vehicular traffic, on the grass or on any non-paved areas, in University buildings, on sidewalks, walkways or any other pedestrian area at all. So watch out!\nWith this information, bicyclists should learn the valuable rules of the road and cherish them with their lives. This is one small change they can make to satisfy many people. Maybe the co-existence of biker and pedestrian will become a better one in the near future.