LIFESTYLE: Biking around campus

A few flashes of luminous lycra and they're gone -- another bunch of "demon" bikers traversing their way down Locust Walk at light speed. Pity the poor pedestrian who dares to step in their path. This time of year there are nearly as many bicyclists on the Walk as pedestrians. Whether students ride their bicycles for exercise or as a quick and convenient way to get to class, many students find it increasingly difficult to get around campus on foot. "I've seen cyclists who do all sorts of funky stuff like weaving in and out of people, and it's dangerous," said College senior Hamid Bassiri. And for many pedestrians, bikers often come a little too close for comfort. "I think it's annoying," said Engineering senior Mark Chen. "Most of the cyclists you see are pretty safe, but then there's that handful of people who ride up and down the Walk like its theirs." As the sunny weather brings dozens of bicyclists onto the Walk, some feel it is clear that the situation is one big accident just waiting to happen. "I live in constant fear of being run over, especially on a beautiful day like this," College senior Heather Stewart said Tuesday. Most students said that something "must" be done to rectify the dangerous situations. "I think there should be a second lane on the walk for cyclists," said Engineering senior Garfield Malcolm. "Or maybe there should be a mandatory stipulation requiring students to walk their bikes. Locust Walk is a pedestrian walkway, not a bicycle freeway." But the claims about safety go both ways, with many bikers having similar complaints about pedestrians. "I've noticed when biking that most pedestrians don't pay much attention to where they're going either," said College senior Jeff Peachin. "They're staring at the ground or off into space, and they might walk right in front of you." Many cyclists said that they strive to avoid the Walk during busy periods because the crowds of people slow them down. "It's hard to ride on the Walk during weekdays," said student Tammy Khieu. "I try to avoid the Walk by taking Walnut, Chestnut or Spruce [streets]." But to many bikers, cycling on the streets of West Philadelphia as an alternative to the Walk just causes other safety problems. "When you cycle on the street, you don't have to worry about hitting people. You have to worry about cars hitting you," said Engineering sophomore Dale Nugiel. "I try not to ride on the Walk because I hit people," College junior Brett Dougherty admitted. "But I get hit about twice a year on the roads. Maybe I'm just unlucky!" According to students, the most dangerous situations on Locust Walk arise from cyclists racing carelessly over the 38th St. Bridge. To reduce the risk of injury to both cyclists and pedestrians, University Police has forbidden bicycle riding on the bridge. "We're trying to make the community aware that there should be no cycling on the Bridge," said University Police Lieutenant Susan Holmes. "It's a matter of getting the message across, but I'm sure common sense will prevail." Weekdays, between 5:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., two officers are posted on the bridge to tell erring cyclists to dismount. But despite the large sign ordering cyclists to dismount, few will walk their bike over the bridge, preferring to use the slope to gain added acceleration. Engineering senior Brian McNamara said that even though he has been stopped a couple of times by the "bridge guards" he still continues to use his wheels on the bridge. "I know I'm breaking the rules, but I don't think I'm endangering anybody," he said. One student, who walked his bicycle over the bridge last Wednesday said the only reason he was not riding was because he had a flat tire. But despite the difficulties that sometimes arise, many students are indifferent to the cyclists. "If it's done within reason, it should not be banned or discouraged," said College senior Jonathan Mattingly. "On less crowded days, and if you're in control, it's fine." · According to University administrators, there are several safety precautions that cyclists should take to avoid injuries and crime. Given the constant danger that cyclists face, biking helmets are advisable, according to Student Health Director MarJeanne Collins. "Cycling without a helmet is foolish," Collins said. "We see a lot of annoying fractures here, but we've had a few major injuries in the past." Fourth-year Medical student John Feudtner said that he has also seen several unfortunate bicycling injuries that could have been avoided. "When you're a medical student working in an emergency room, the message comes home pretty quick that you should wear a helmet," he said. "People assume they're going to be safe, but the way people drive around here, you're not the only one in charge of your fate." According to Lt. Holmes, more bicycles are stolen as the weather improves. She advised all bikers to have their bikes registered by Campus Police. Students also said that the best way to prevent a stolen bike is just by keeping it locked up. "If you lock it up in a safe place, you have a pretty good chance of seeing it when you return," said College senior Chris Heisen. "It's no problem as long as you're smart." But despite the addition last year of several more bike racks around campus, cyclists said it is often difficult to park their bike where they know it will be safe. "There are not enough places to park bikes on campus," complained Wharton senior Beth Cohen. "People are using railings, benches, even trees." Cohen and many others said the University should provide more bicycle racks. But despite the safety and security risks cycling is still one of the easiest modes of transportation, especially for students living off-campus. "It's convenient, faster than walking and there's that great exercise component," Heisen said. And for some cyclists, the bike is not just a vehicle -- it's a friend. "I'm pretty attached to my bike," admitted College senior Justin Fineberg. "I don't have an unnatural relationship with it, but it is one of my closest friends." There are even some cyclists who go as far as giving their two-wheeled friends names. "My bike's name is 'Quick', and I talk to him whenever I ride," said Engineering sophomore Nugiel. "We have a good relationship. I apologize when I go over bad bumps, or if his tires aren't pumped up enough."

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