When we were kids, we were all most likely told to look both ways before crossing the street. Evidently, people have forgotten this simple fact upon arriving to the University of Rhode Island. While riding my bike around campus, I have seen many people step onto busy roads without checking both ways first.
We’ll start by exploring my personal experience. I tend to ride my bike on Upper College Road to get to my classes in the Fine Arts Center. This is probably the busiest road on campus. I have almost hit many persons while on my bike, not because I’m not paying attention, but because people linger on the side of the road and suddenly step into the road usually when I’m a foot or two away from them. Brakes on a bike don’t stop me instantly. If I’m moving with any speed at all, it might take a little bit for me to slow down. Dodging pedestrians is easy, but may lead to me getting injured. So, if you’re crossing the street, make sure to keep an eye out for bikes.
Also, while I’ve been riding around campus, I’ve witnessed near collisions between cars and people. Now I know cars are supposed to yield to pedestrians in the cross walk. But it’s a little hard for a car going the speed limit to screech to a halt when a person steps into the road five yards in front of the car. For all I know the pedestrian could be attempting to get hit, seeing as it is rumored that being struck by a car leads to free tuition. I cannot confirm whether this is true or not, so if you’re a student crossing the road, maybe look both ways before stepping into the street, because you might not get free tuition.
Now, the point I’m trying to get to is that everyone needs to stay vigilant when it comes to using the campuses roadways. It’s not just pedestrians stepping into roads that’s the problem. The people in the cars don’t always pay attention, and the same is true with cyclists.
A message to drivers: Pay attention at all times while driving around campus. Make sure to look out for people deciding to cross the street at all times.
A message to fellow cyclists: The pedestrians are not looking for you when they cross the road, they are really only looking for cars. Be ready to hit your brakes at all times, stay vigilant, and be ready for anything.
A message to the pedestrian: I know vehicles are supposed to yield to you when you are crossing the street, but they are not always paying attention. Plus, it’s hard for any vehicle to stop if you step into the road a foot or two in front of them.
The roads around here are dangerous. Many students are crossing roads, many cars are driving on the roads, and many bikes are riding around too. The most important thing is to keep your eyes open no matter who you are, and if you are a pedestrian, remember what your parents once told you, “look both ways before you cross the street.”