Bicycling room
Bikes are an essential mode of transport around campus.
Yet for many bicyclists, riding around much of campus is a dangerous journey veering between either pedestrians or cars.
Though warmer weather may seem to be some time away, the city and university should consider adding bike paths to all, or at least most, main roads on and around campus.
We applaud the work of a group of students in RPL 216: Introduction to Outdoor Recreation. They have contacted the Mount Pleasant Department of Planning, Zoning and Community Development and the Department of Public Works, and plan to survey students about which roads they would prefer to have bike paths.
City officials say they are already seeking to expand bike paths, and they should take into account the students' research, especially about which roads would benefit most from the addition of a path. The project should be a collaborative effort.
The addition of bicycle paths to Washington Street has made traveling on the road easier for bicyclists, pedestrians and drivers. This is especially true during the busiest hours, when any reduction of congestion is of tremendous benefit.
Bicyclists now have a clear place to ride on the street, and the success of this road should serve as a model for future projects.
When possible, planners should try to place the bike path on the street, rather than the sidewalk, and label it clearly.
In 2003, an expensive university project placed painted bike lines on the sidewalk near the Charles V. Park Library. This project failed because many students had no idea what to make of the lines.
By contrast, an addition to the road is far less ambiguous; it's much clearer than a couple of painted lines, as has been indicated by the success of the Washington Street path.
Likewise, Mission Street, as well as other major city roads, would benefit tremendously from the addition of a designated bike path. This would fit perfectly within city planners' calls for 'walkability.'
Even though bicycling is not quite walking, it is another form of enjoyable, leisurely outdoor travel. And it would keep sidewalks clear for pedestrians.
Adding most bicycle paths, if done correctly, makes for an easier time for bicyclists, pedestrians and drivers because it more efficiently divides the flow of traffic.
The student group should continue its push for bike paths, and more students should join the cause.
