Ped Antics

Colleges, high schools move to be more bike- and pedestrian-friendly

Posted at 11:06 AM on 07 Aug 2008

High gasoline costs as well as concerns about the environment have been prompting schools across the country to make their campuses more bike- and pedestrian-friendly. Pressure from parents and students is one big factor in the shift, but another key seems to be a growing awareness about sustainability. A number of colleges are launching bike-sharing programs, some U.S. high schools are aiming to reduce car traffic around their campuses, and plenty of colleges and high schools are looking to expand sidewalks and bike and pedestrian trails to improve car-free access to campus. Some high schools in California are even looking into using bikes for transportation on field trips. Ripon College in Wisconsin launched a free bike program this year for freshman students who agreed not to drive to or park on campus, and some 60 percent of the incoming class took the offer. "Today's teenagers deserve a lot of credit," said Mike Martin of the National Association of Pupil Transportation. "They're socially aware, they're environmentally conscious. When the price of gasoline takes effect, they're smart."

source: USA Today

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Comments: (6 comments)

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And Attend Local Schools

Grade- and high school students should be attending the schools closest to their homes. While I strongly oppose segregation, consuming and burning oil in order to integrate schools is not a legitimate way to achieve integration. I grew up walking to my grade school, beginning on the first day of kindergarten when I not quite five years old. Organizing societies so that kids can all walk to school is the way to go, and parents should not be allowed to drive their kids individually; in rural areas where students don't live within walking distances from their schools, they should be bused.

by Wolverine at 12:28 PM on 07 Aug 2008

Attack of the Killer Vehicles

Having yet again to shout my lungs out, twice today, to get a driver making a right hand turn, with their necks transfixed looking left, to turn and look at me in the crosswalk (with the walk signal on and the right of way)...I'd say, yes, to more places to bike without cars.

Biking on the street is like taking a knife to a gun fight.

by jabailo at 1:02 AM on 08 Aug 2008

Good point, John Bailo

Maybe in busy areas, cities could set up strobe lights that flash whenever a pedestrian wants to traverse the cross-walk. Such lights (neighbors would probably object to a beeping alarm) might be seen in the peripheral vision of drivers looking out more for other drivers coming from their left.

These are only my personal opinions.

by Ron Steenblik at 1:38 AM on 08 Aug 2008
[ Parent ]

Bikes as vehicles.

I commute every day on my bike and I have to say that I actually feel safer using the streets as a vehicle instead of using the sidewalks.

Drivers are not looking for traffic on the sidewalks, but me of the Many Blinking Lights acting as a vehicle is right where they expect to see stuff.

I've found that it helps to be a little obnoxious about your right to be on the road. Don't feel badly about making folks slow down a bit and pass you like a car or motorcycle.

Keep in mind, however, that I live in N.C. where folks aren't quite as quick to be belligerent as I've seen further north! ;)

by BlackBear at 6:32 AM on 08 Aug 2008

bikes on campus

The University of Arkansas in Fayetteville has jumped on the free bikes for students bandwagon as well! Very safe for on-campus riding; bright green color may keep them a bit safer on the road.

MrsMlgn

by mrsmlgn at 1:29 PM on 08 Aug 2008

look left while turning right

I hear you brother - as a past, longterm commute cyclist (in the days of 99c gas!) I never stopped being infuriated by drivers who did this... and then then life's responsibilities moved to where I simply can't function where I live, and with the volume of responsibilities... and I also understand that when drivers do this, it's a basic expression of human psychology. That is, we look to avoid getting hit by anything our size and larger. I drive an econobox so that's most things on 4 wheels. I really try to stay conscious of bikes, motorcycles, etc but it really is a struggle. And if it's a struggle for me with my history, it's well nigh unachievable for everyone else. Amen to the increase in bike lanes and trails - or bicyclists just getting their butts on the sidewalk. [BTW, Holding up traffic riding in the middle of the road is not only dangerous to the cyclist and infuriating to the driver - it's illegal in most places.]

by DannyGirl at 5:13 PM on 10 Aug 2008
[ Parent ]

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