Convenience
Incoming students on north campus - as well as pedestrians - received a pleasant surprise when they moved into the area two weeks ago.
Planners originally sought to repave Washington Street, which was in dire need of work because of potholes and other damage.
But because of Central Michigan University's $95,000 request, construction was pushed back 12 days so they could include a bike lane, two bus stops and a raised crosswalk.
CMU also is working with the Isabella County Road Commission to install six new bus stops over the next four to six weeks, in hopes of incorporating a bus route for residence halls and apartment complexes.
Washington Street now is a much more pleasant drive than before. But adding those extras to the road makes it that much better, especially with so many students using it during the week.
The bike lane, in particular, is a great idea because it's difficult to navigate a bike on a sidewalk through bunches of walking students during busy hours. It is a great way to reduce the heavy flow of traffic between students and cars.
We hope that the university acts on implementing these valuable additions to other roads on campus, especially Preston Street and further south on Washington Street, when or if those roads get attention.
At the same time, students should take advantage of these additions. If they have a bike to take to class, they should stop weaving their way through crowds of students and use the bike lane.
If the university is working to successfully make travel convenient, students might as well take advantage of it.
