Dear Editor,
With the increased volume of bicycle riders on campus now, I think it important that everyone, including pedestrians and moterists as well as riders, be more aware of bicycle safety.
For instance, cyclists are technically supposed to ride on the street and follow the same driving rules as those of motor vehicles, keeping to the right side of the road. However, they will inevitably have to ride on the sidewalk at some point as most of the bike racks are not located right on the street, and there are places on campus where there simply are not roads (ie. in front of the library, where there are bike racks).
The standard warning for a rider passing a pedestrian or another rider is “passing on your left/right” as the case may be.. Should you hear someone call this behind you, kindly move over to allow the biker to pass.
Also cyclists should be aware of the fact that they are to follow the same rules as cars, which means pedestrians still have the right of way at crosswalks, and you still have to stop at stop sign. Also you may consider using hand signals so other people know what you are doing and you don’t accidentally run over some poor freshman looking for his English class.
I have noticed this becoming an increasing problem on campus.
Everyone needs to be more aware of their surroundings and accidents can be avoided.Kate McKinnon

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