As we enter into warmer weather, melting snow and relentless rain, it is becoming clear that spring is on the way. With clear streets and temperatures above the freezing mark, it is just about time to bring out the bicycles again. In fact, many students are already enjoying the opportunity and pedaling their ways across campus; and as a fellow cyclist, I am eager to join just as soon as I can get my bike back to Madison.
However, as bicycle season returns, it is important to review a few simple rules that many students have apparently forgotten. Every day it becomes more apparent that many bikers are ignorant to the fact that when on the road, they too must follow the same traffic laws as motor vehicles.
The red octagon with the word STOP on it at the top of the pole means, quite obviously, stop. Now, I totally understand how much of a pain it is to bring a bike to a complete stop and then have to start from zero again—I really do. However, a mere yield, making certain that no traffic is coming or pedestrians are crossing is not really that difficult.
Just because bicycles might be vulnerable does not mean that cars have to treat cyclists any differently. Thankfully, most drivers in Madison and around campus are fairly bike conscious, but that is not to say that reckless, oblivious motorists are not abundant in this city.
Essentially, if a bicycle is on the road, the rider must follow the traffic laws. If you see a stop sign, stop. If a car arrives at the intersection first, they have the right to go before you. These simple, obvious ideas not only protect you, but the people around you as well.
Take, for example, the guy at the intersection of Observatory and Charter last week who ignored not only the stop sign but also the pedestrians crossing the street. Apparently convinced that he had the right of way over them, the cyclist sped through the pack of students, sending them, literally, diving for the curb to avoid a collision.
This is clearly an isolated incident. However, there is a simple solution to avoid any possible assumptions that this situation is a campus-wide issue—do not be like that cyclist.
Additionally, there are some cyclists who have no problem breaking traffic laws... because there are no traffic laws to break on the sidewalk.
Especially on a campus where the majority of the main streets have specified bicycle lanes, there is little excuse to ride a bike on the sidewalk, even if it is legal. This does not take much explanation. The sidewalk is for pedestrians, the bike lanes are for cyclists.
To be fair, most cyclists on campus are courteous, law-abiding pedalers. However, everyone can benefit by understanding the responsibility one takes on when riding a bicycle. The rules are pretty straight-forward. When riding in the street, follow the traffic laws as if you are a motorist. This is not just the courteous thing to do, but most importantly it is a matter of safety. A bike does not make you invincible. In fact, it makes you incredibly vulnerable.
Following the traffic laws is the safest choice a bicyclist can make. Cyclists must still yield to pedestrians, and sidewalks are not for bicycles.
I am not here to preach about wearing reflective clothing or helmets. That, I believe, is every cyclist's personal choice. However, it's the responsibility of the biker to follow the rules and use common sense to make sure he or she is not endangering the well-being of others.
We are fortunate on this campus to have the convenience of bike lanes and paths. Especially as the weather becomes warmer, biking to class and around the city is a great option for getting to class, enjoying some exercise and avoiding crowded busses.
Before you head out for a jaunt on the two-wheeler, though, just remember to keep the rules and responsibilities of the road in mind—for everyone's sake.
Mark Bennett is a freshman intending to major in journalism. Please send responses to opinion@dailycardinal.com.
