Food For Thought: These Sidewalks Ain't Big Enough for the Both of Us: Why are there no bicycle

Traffic around the UConn Storrs campus is often downright hectic. Cars, buses, bikes, mopeds, skaters and pedestrians-everyone on their own paths. When you add all the construction into the mix, it makes for a difficult commute, no matter how you transport yourself. The university is a constant work in progress and adding a bike lane should be included in the improvements. Many sidewalks around campus are in shambles and need repair. It is possible to kill two birds with one stone by fixing the sidewalks while simultaneously constructing a bike lane.

Walking on a sidewalk with bikers coming at you is aggravating. On the flipside, being a biker or skater is frustrating with crowds of people weaving about. Neither the bikers nor the pedestrians are wrong in their displeasure of the situation, and there can be something done about it. After all, bikes are not supposed to be ridden on sidewalks. Connecticut's Drivers Manual states: "Under Connecticut law, a bicycle is considered a vehicle with the same rights and responsibilities as cars and other vehicles on the road. Drivers should expect to see bicyclists on the road, riding with traffic." High volumes of traffic on the roads pressure people on bikes and even mopeds to ride on sidewalks.

A cycle of stress and risk of safety is being perpetuated by the traffic patterns that persist on campus. You're probably thinking this would increase the "infrastructure fee" that shows up on our fee bills. No, it should not because federal funds can be used to construct protected bike lanes. Plans for bike lanes can be devised and submitted to the U.S. Department of Transportation Transit, Highway, and Safety Funds to be eligible for grants. If civil engineering was my pursuit, this would be a great project to spearhead. From just another student caught up in the rush, I share this in hopes for more safe and convenient travel.