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Stay alert on campus
Staff
Issue date: 11/4/09 Section: Forum
Two weeks ago, the Oregon State Police cracked down on traffic safety on campus. Bicyclists and pedestrians were also subject to the heavy enforcement of traffic rules. The OSP was on campus for four days writing tickets and keeping a watchful eye on those rolling California traffic stops. However, since the traffic safety crackdown has been over, bicyclists and pedestrians are back to their old ways again.
We know that you are all college students and don't need someone to hold your hand as you cross the street, but if you are going to cross the road, at least look both ways before doing so. For bicyclists it's almost like playing Frogger when riding through campus as pedestrians blindly step into the street in front of riders.
Most of the time, students aren't even remotely aware of getting in the way of swerving bicycles, as they usually have their head down texting furiously on their phones. Just wait, pedestrians, one of these days you are actually going to get nailed by a bicyclist or longboarder, and that will result in either an injury or humiliation for both of you.
Essentially what we are saying is that people need to start opening their eyes and pay attention to basic traffic safety rules without having the threat of the OSP lurking on campus. Look both ways before crossing the street (without texting) for cars and bicycles/scooters/skateboards, pay attention to stop signs (bicyclists, they are not just a suggestion) and just use your brain, for crying out loud.
Traffic injuries can be very serious and usually result in injuries for both the driver or rider and person who is hit. Not to mention you might spill coffee all over yourself, which is very hot and stains. You shouldn't need a $300 ticket to remind you to be aware of your surroundings. If you are unfortunate enough to actually get a ticket for rolling through a stop sign or do get clipped by a bike, then maybe you deserved it.
An OSU student was recently hit by a car while riding their bike on 9th and Polk Street and suffered serious injuries. Ironically, it was during the week that OSP was enforcing traffic safety on campus. Although this incident didn't occur on campus, it's a sober reminder to drivers, pedestrians and bikers to be aware of your surroundings and be respectful of other people using the road or sidewalk.
So, bikers and pedestrians, next time you are walking or riding to class sipping on a hot cup of coffee, think about more than just burning your tongue and look both ways before crossing the street.
Editorials serve as a platform for Barometer editors to offer commentary and opinions on issues both global and local, grand in scale and diminutive. The views expressed here are a reflection of the editorial board majority. Disagree? E-mail a letter to the editor or guest column to forum@dailybarometer.com.
We know that you are all college students and don't need someone to hold your hand as you cross the street, but if you are going to cross the road, at least look both ways before doing so. For bicyclists it's almost like playing Frogger when riding through campus as pedestrians blindly step into the street in front of riders.
Most of the time, students aren't even remotely aware of getting in the way of swerving bicycles, as they usually have their head down texting furiously on their phones. Just wait, pedestrians, one of these days you are actually going to get nailed by a bicyclist or longboarder, and that will result in either an injury or humiliation for both of you.
Essentially what we are saying is that people need to start opening their eyes and pay attention to basic traffic safety rules without having the threat of the OSP lurking on campus. Look both ways before crossing the street (without texting) for cars and bicycles/scooters/skateboards, pay attention to stop signs (bicyclists, they are not just a suggestion) and just use your brain, for crying out loud.
Traffic injuries can be very serious and usually result in injuries for both the driver or rider and person who is hit. Not to mention you might spill coffee all over yourself, which is very hot and stains. You shouldn't need a $300 ticket to remind you to be aware of your surroundings. If you are unfortunate enough to actually get a ticket for rolling through a stop sign or do get clipped by a bike, then maybe you deserved it.
An OSU student was recently hit by a car while riding their bike on 9th and Polk Street and suffered serious injuries. Ironically, it was during the week that OSP was enforcing traffic safety on campus. Although this incident didn't occur on campus, it's a sober reminder to drivers, pedestrians and bikers to be aware of your surroundings and be respectful of other people using the road or sidewalk.
So, bikers and pedestrians, next time you are walking or riding to class sipping on a hot cup of coffee, think about more than just burning your tongue and look both ways before crossing the street.
Editorials serve as a platform for Barometer editors to offer commentary and opinions on issues both global and local, grand in scale and diminutive. The views expressed here are a reflection of the editorial board majority. Disagree? E-mail a letter to the editor or guest column to forum@dailybarometer.com.
Note: writers will not reply to comments.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Accident Survivor
posted 11/04/09 @ 7:34 AM PST
Thanks for writing this. Two years ago, I was in a bicycle-bicycle accident on Campus Way, right between Milne and Kidder. As I was riding east on the street, right before 9am on a Friday, another bicyclist came down the sidewalk between Milne and Kidder and didn't stop before crossing Campus Way. (Continued…)
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