Well, I have some good news and bad news. The good news is that this week officially marks the beginning of spring, and whether that means you’re strapping on your Chacos or planning your first trip of the semester to Heber Springs, it’s a good time of year. The bad news? Bicycles. Now this wouldn’t be such bad news if there were some decent bicycle etiquette, and that goes for both the bicyclists as well as the surrounding pedestrians. So I thought I would just clear up some of the basic discrepancies and provide some etiquette guidelines.
First of all, stay on the right. Maybe you’ve just returned from a semester abroad and are used to staying on the opposite side, or maybe you just struggle with knowing your right from your left, but whether you’re walking, driving or riding a bicycle or a long board, just stay on the right. If you see someone coming at you with a look of panic on their face, you are probably on the wrong side.
Next, slow it down. Take it down a notch. Simmer down, Armstrong. You get the idea. There is no need to go 10,000 miles per hour on your bike, running people over and crashing out the side of the building like it’s the train wreck of 1853. Being referred to as “late” will no longer have anything to do with the time of your arrival. This one is specifically for long boarders: Oh, stop. You are cool and have spectacular balance. We get it. Now share the sidewalk.
To pedestrians: If you hear it, you will know. The sound of a bicycle or a long board coming up from behind is a very distinct sound, and while it may be difficult to hear over your rapidly increasing heartbeat, have no fear — but do not move. Keep walking how you’re walking and let them find their way around you.
As for the bicyclists, with great pedaling comes great responsibility — meaning please get out of the way and don’t force any innocent bystanders to step off the sidewalk into unforgiving shrubbery.
Doesn’t campus feel safer already? With these simple steps you’ll be set to enjoy the beautiful spring weather going to and from class without living in the fear of being trampled. As Spring Sing weekend is approaching, there will be numerous visitors on campus, so I encourage you to put these guidelines into practice and avoid running over any potential students or their respective families. “Grandma got run over by an inconsiderate student” are way less festive lyrics. So now that you have learned an invaluable lesson that doesn’t come with training wheels — keep calm and cycle on.
