Staff editorial
Clare road (running between Doyle Hall and the townhouse/garden apartments) is often abuzz with foot, bicycle and vehicle traffic, especially during class hours. This, combined with the forthcoming inclement weather, has the potential to create dangerous conditions.
The road is large enough for cars, but does not have room for both cars and bikes. The footpath, which runs alongside the road, is big enough for pedestrians or bicyclists, but generally not both.
There is no bike lane in the road. According to Tom Missel, director of marketing and media relations, this is because the road is too narrow for a bike lane and the administration would rather keep bikes and cars separate for safety reasons.
So, it stands to reason that bikers and walkers must figure out a way to safely share the path. While one could argue those on bikers should just be cognizant of people walking and avoid them, that doesn’t entirely solve the issue. To avoid a collision, both parties must be aware of each other.
Often, pedestrians have headphones in, are texting or conversing or just don’t hear a bike coming. While a bike-on-pedestrian collision likely wouldn’t kill anyone, it could cause serious injury.
To avoid this, The Bona Venture proposes that bicyclists and pedestrians split the path in half for safety purposes. Those on bicycles should ride on the left half of the path while pedestrians should stick to the right of the path. Thus, pedestrians would be able to listen to music or stare at his or her phone without worrying about being run down by a bike.
St. Bonaventure administration should consider making this, or a plan of their choosing, an official policy. It’s not of the upmost importance but it has the potential to make campus life just a little safer. Putting a sign up to display the policy (if one was enacted), would also be wise.
Additionally, bikes should stay out of the road whenever possible. There’s not enough room for a cyclist to safely ride in the street.
Attempting to do so puts drivers in danger as well as the cyclist. Winter is coming and with the freezing rain, frigid conditions and eventual snow, it’s not inconceivable that someone could lose control of their bike. If a driver is forced to swerve and avoid a falling cyclist, a number of negative outcomes could occur.
Of course, when the conditions become dangerous enough, students shouldn’t be riding their bikes anyway.
In summation, be careful, Bonnies. There’s no reason the long trudge to campus from townhouses should have to be any more miserable.
This editorial represents the opinions of The Bona Venture Staff
