Recent tensions between campus pedestrians and bicyclists can hopefully be resolved through this year’s Bike Week, which begins today.
Continuing through the weekend and concluding next Friday, scheduled events include group bicycle rides, safety forums and a Halloween party featuring the movie “Bike Zombies.” The events culminate in a student event on the Parade Ground with music, student activities and BMX performers.
Events kick off this afternoon at 1 with a used bike sale at the Hill Farm Community Garden north of the UREC. The sale is followed by an informal potluck dinner on the Parade Ground and Critical Mass, a mass bicycle ride through Baton Rouge.
Moshe Cohen, mathematics graduate student who helped plan the week, said the goal of Bike Week is to unite the Baton Rouge bicycling community.
Bike Week sponsors include Baton Rouge Advocates for Safe Streets, Environmental Conservation Organization, Student Government and the University’s International Cultural Center, Office of Parking, Traffic and Transportation, and Department of University Recreation.
Bike Week coincides with the launch of a new Student Government initiative named Safe Streets. The Safe Streets campaign evolved from Student Senate legislation designed to deter cyclists from the Quad. Following student feedback, student senators rewrote the legislation to promote awareness of transportation regulations at the University.
“We’re going to work as hard as we possibly can to make sure every part of that bill is fulfilled in the coming weeks,” said Andrew Remson, University College Center for Advising and Counseling senator and co-author of the bill.
The rewritten legislation also aims to provide incentives for cyclists to avoid restricted areas, like sidewalks. The intent is to create a safe environment for not only bikers but also pedestrians and motorists.
“It’s not just about the bike agenda,” said Cohen, who was involved in rewriting the legislation. “It’s how bikes fit into the rest of campus.”
——Contact Daniel McBride at [email protected]