The yearly invasion of freshmen and newcomers on campus inevitably brings about a fresh skirmish over rights on the bike path.
Understandably, bikers get a little annoyed when an abrupt change in their cadence is necessary due to the sudden appearance of a pedestrian ahead. Whether newly acquired freedom, headphones, excitement, ignorance, or an attitude of superiority are reasons behind walker’s obstruction to cyclists on or crossing bike paths is little understood or particularly of any biker’s concern. Even the most seasoned roadies can find themselves entrenched in a ditch or going head-to-head combat with a tree while trying to avoid the alternative of continuing with projectile force toward the “dear in the headlights” look of a pedestrian.
Walkers may equally be challenged when trying to cross a bike path. Roadies, whether seasoned or newbies, are rather intimidating and are often themselves distracted or have forgotten that “wheels yield to heels” in their eagerness to expose their opponent’s weakness and take back control of the bike path.
To keep the rubber on the road (and avoid ‘civilian casualties’), be sure to check out the Purdue Bicycle Guidelines here: Bicycles - Purdue University, and don’t forget to register your bicycle with the Purdue Police Department. You can read about registration here: Bicycle Registration - Bicycles - Purdue University.
The war isn’t over, but the 2021 battle will be won! Walkers, use your sideWALK, turn down the headset volume and look before crossing a bike path! The bike path is not a place to hang out, avoid your ex, or get ahead of the crowd.
Be safe out there!!