The Way You Move

One would think the walk to class would be the relaxing part of my day, but, in fact, this is the most stressful part. Everyday I wonder if this is the day I will die or will I be able to turn in one more assignment? What makes the trip so dangerous aren't the side alleys I take or the multiple cars I jump out in front of just so I don't have to wait another thirty seconds, it are the insane kids riding bikes who think they can fit through the narrowing gap between myself and the oncoming walker. These encounters either leave one of the pedestrians having to leap to the side to save their life or getting sideswiped by the bicyclist. I myself have been fortunate enough to never have been sideswiped. Although now that I say this, Monday morning I am sure to get hit at least three times.

What needs to be done to solve this problem is that students need to invest in alternate forms of getting from their dorm to their classes. Now bicycles are probably the most effective way of doing this, but at what cost. How many innocent pedestrians will have to suffer before these bikers realize they need to either take more heed of others around them or find a new way of moving about. Its not like they have limited choices when deciding on other ways of traveling. There are plenty of ways.













After biking the most popular way of going about is by skateboard. Now i don't mind skateboarders, they seem to have a different agenda than bikers. These people use skateboards because they want to get to their destination quickly like bikers, but unlike bikers, skateboarders won't take out anything in their way. They are more relaxed and willing to wait on pedestrians. I have never seen an accident between any skateboarder and walker. I do see skaters doing tricks at random places around campus and this is actually enjoyable. They don't even endanger those around them when they perform these tricks. Something that I did not know until I came to college is that there are multiple types of skateboards, little wheeled ones, giant over sized ones, long boards. Basically a type for any person. Those are two main way people travel, but there are other ways.

Now if you want people to notice you when you are going to and from class you have a few choices. Grant it, you are most likely getting noticed because people are making fun of you, but, hey, it may be worth it. The first of these is the moped/scooter. Now these are great to have, get form point A to point B without doing any physical work, but honestly I laugh every time I see someone riding one. Maybe its the giant helmet they wear or the squatting position they are in, which looks like they're ready take a poo. Whatever it is, it gets me every time. And when you see two people riding, its just twice as funny. Other modes of transportation I chuckle at when I see it are razor scooters and roller blades. Some people know how to ride in style though.

A couple times I have been fortunate enough to see a segway go zipping by. Those are impressive to see because they are at the technological top of personal transportation. Another thing I see parked almost everyday but still never seen in action is the "bike bullet", as I like to call it. As I pass it everyday, I am tempted to cut the lock and steal it. From the looks of it, I wanna say it can go forty fifty miles per hour, but probably not. Even so I am sure whoever owns that, feels like Batman everyday he or she comes to school.

If none of these ways of getting to class interests you, you can do what about ninety-five percent of the student population does: walk. It easy, no one gets hurt, and you don't have to worry about your bike being chained to a tree. I use it and it hasn't failed me yet.
So I urge you, crazy kid on bike trying to get to your class as fast as you can with no regard to those around you, please consider me and all those who fear your presence on the sidewalk. Take your time. This is college, teachers don't mind if you are five minutes late. And if possible, to make the world a better place, use these alternatives I have mentioned.