Here at the University of Illinois campus, many students face the challenge of getting from one end of campus to the other during ten minute passing periods. Some students accept the race against time by power walking from class to class, while others students bike across campus and endure the crowded bike lanes and traffic jams.
Some students on foot often find themselves questioning their safety on a daily basis while walking to class. In fact, according to the Chicago Tribune, the state of Illinois was ranked fifth for the highest bike fatalities in the nation. Madie Baillon was a victim in a biking accident on campus last year. Listen to what she has to say in regards to bikers on the road during passing periods.
However, the University’s Division of Public Safety has many tools on its website for students to stay safe while on the road. We spoke with Officer Christopher Hawk on what else students can do in order to keep themselves and pedestrians safe at all times.
Yet some students are often guilty of committing biking violations. Aline Sredni said she received a $25 ticket for riding her bike down the wrong side of the street. Aline was on 6th street by the Psychology building and Newman Hall. Aline felt the police officer was somewhat fair to her but felt like she was randomly chosen because there were other bicyclists around doing the exact same thing she had just been pulled over for. "It was a little annoying that he chose me because I wasn't the only one and more bikers were going the wrong way when he was talking to me" said Aline. Aline felt embarrassed about being pulled over and she was late for her class that day. Her punishment was the fine as well as reciting common bike laws from a pamphlet the officer had provided for her followed by a verbal quiz. Let's hope this will be Aline's only bike ticket!
Safety isn’t just knowing what laws to follow. Understanding what type of bike to use while on a campus road is also important. CenturyBicycle.com describes seventeen kinds of bikes for several occasions and offers a guide on how to pick the right bike that will meet your needs.
Check out this video on how bike traffic effects everyone on the University's campus here.
Some students on foot often find themselves questioning their safety on a daily basis while walking to class. In fact, according to the Chicago Tribune, the state of Illinois was ranked fifth for the highest bike fatalities in the nation. Madie Baillon was a victim in a biking accident on campus last year. Listen to what she has to say in regards to bikers on the road during passing periods.
However, the University’s Division of Public Safety has many tools on its website for students to stay safe while on the road. We spoke with Officer Christopher Hawk on what else students can do in order to keep themselves and pedestrians safe at all times.
Yet some students are often guilty of committing biking violations. Aline Sredni said she received a $25 ticket for riding her bike down the wrong side of the street. Aline was on 6th street by the Psychology building and Newman Hall. Aline felt the police officer was somewhat fair to her but felt like she was randomly chosen because there were other bicyclists around doing the exact same thing she had just been pulled over for. "It was a little annoying that he chose me because I wasn't the only one and more bikers were going the wrong way when he was talking to me" said Aline. Aline felt embarrassed about being pulled over and she was late for her class that day. Her punishment was the fine as well as reciting common bike laws from a pamphlet the officer had provided for her followed by a verbal quiz. Let's hope this will be Aline's only bike ticket!
Safety isn’t just knowing what laws to follow. Understanding what type of bike to use while on a campus road is also important. CenturyBicycle.com describes seventeen kinds of bikes for several occasions and offers a guide on how to pick the right bike that will meet your needs.
Check out this video on how bike traffic effects everyone on the University's campus here.
