Some say bikes are an increasing hazard on campus.
Bikes have become a staple around the Williston campus due to their convenience and speed. Since cold weather hit, bikes have become more prevalent, as they allow students to get out of the cold quicker.
Zach Pincus, a senior from Rowley, Mass., has found that the uptick in bikes has caused nervous feelings among some on campus.
“I’ve seen them flying around everywhere this year,” Zach said. “There have been instances where my friends and I have nearly been run over by a biker.”
Max Elkin, a senior from Atlanta, Georgia, agreed with Zach, as he has felt the breeze of a biker fly past.
“I’ve nearly been hit many times; during passing blocks they can get so close to students,” said Max.
Pittman Alley, a biker from Lake Forest, Ill., tries to avoid the crammed blocks between classes while biking.
“I really try to avoid during the super- packed passing periods,” said Pittman.
During these 10-minute passing periods students tend to be shoulder-to-shoulder on the walkways between classes, and adding bikes to the mix can present a safety issue. Zach mentioned a rule that would allow people to not worry about safety.
“I think there should be regulations for bikes on campus, such as bikers only being allowed to bike on the sidewalk/street around campus, as there is too much congestion on the paths on campus during the busy passing times,” said Zach.
Jack Berrien, a junior who commonly walks through campus, believes students shouldn’t have to fear a pedal-powered accident.
“I think people shouldn’t have to worry about their safety between classes, it should be a time to relax after long classes,” said Jack.
In a brief conversation with Williston Campus Safety officer Benjamin Fitzpatrick, he preached the ideals of safe riding and walking.
“Helmets are our top priority for bikers right now, but students should just keep their heads up throughout campus because someone that might ride past,” said Fitzpatrick
Max also believes there is no point in a bike on campus, as it is such a tight-knit area.
“Bikes were never a need for me,” said Max. “This campus is small, and I never had to travel that far.”
This view is shared around campus; most people walk on foot from class to class, but some argue that bikes can be useful around campus.
Jack had never owned a bike on campus himself but does see the need for them at times.
“I have thought about using a bike,” Jack explained. “This campus can start to feel really big when you travel from the day-student lot to Galbraith.”