32°
Get outta my way!
How can bikers and pedestrians coexist?
4:00 am Sep 16 - by Stephanie Murphy – buzz Writer
Related Media
Charlie Smyth, Urbana City council member and avid Biker, rides home after a day in the office. (Issac Bloom, buzz Photographer)
Related Articles
While walking on the quad, it is common to suddenly see a bike zoom by without warning. Bikes are a great way to get around campus, but sometimes they can get a little dangerous. Yet, when it comes to bikes and pedestrians, it’s hard to determine what the rules are. But with a few easy tips, everyone can learn to safely share the road – or sidewalk.
One of the biggest problems for bicyclists happens when pedestrians get in the way. For pedestrians, it is important to be aware of those traveling around them, but for bikes, it is also good to be alert. For example, along Wright Street is a designated bike path. Pedestrians, when you cross, make sure you look both ways, just as you would on a street. For bicyclists, if you are riding in a path not marked for exclusive bike use, call out to pedestrians to let them know you are passing. Always be ready to apply the brakes. If you are riding in a large crowd of people, it is safer to dismount and walk the bike.
According to a pamphlet released by the State of Illinois, bikes must act as though they were cars. This means that they must have working brakes and the proper safety equipment. A law in Illinois states that at night, bikes must have a light that is visible for 500 feet for the front of the bike. The back of the bike needs a red rear reflector. The rider must always try to wear bright reflective clothing. In addition to the safety precautions, bikes should act as cars and obey all road laws and signs.
Overall, when it comes to biking and walking, always use common sense. Pedestrians, be courteous to bikers if you see them coming your way. Bikers, remember pedestrians are often listening to music and can’t hear you. Getting into a bike accident isn’t pretty, so be safe and make responsible choices. Enjoy the road!
Sound Off
Sign In or Register to post a comment
The views expressed are the sole responsibility of the visitors who submitted them and do no represent the opinions of the217, WPGU, buzz or Illini Media staff members.
Last post: Sep. 17, 2008 at 12:51 am
Liamz (unregistered user) said on Sep. 16, 2008 at 10:53 pm:
Yesterday I was crossing a pedestrian crosswalk where cars AND bikes are to yield to pedestrians. The kid didn't stop and nearly hit me so I chased after him yelling some very not nice things to him. It was nearly 9 am and already two other things had ruined my morning, so when he went by I was none too pleased.
I later got pissed when I saw a bike been ridden on the grass on the quad. She screamed at someone to "Watch out!" and hit her in the shoulder. Bikes have no place on the grass, let alone on the walking paths where there are clearly signs posted saying riding of bikes isn't allowed.
I yell at kids who walk on the bike paths too, but if you don't want me to throw a stick through your spokes, stay off the ped-ways.
Eric T. Roth (Eric Roth) said on Sep. 17, 2008 at 12:51 am:
Sometimes I go out of my way to ride my bike in order to inconvenience pedestrians. Like when I decided to ride my bike all the way down into the Undergrad Library, and they were all like, "come on dude!" And I was like, "stop yelling, this is a library."
Jeff Brandt (Jeff Brandt) said on Sep. 16, 2008 at 2:43 pm:
I read an editorial a day or two ago on Daily Illini about the same topic. In response to that article and not necessarily this one: I agree that it blows when you see pedestrians straight-up moseying on down the bike path like it's a good place for them to walk, but you not having brakes and therefore screaming "Get outta my way!" and running over their feet is a greater offense.