This week, for the fifth year, Bike Week is being celebrated at LSU.
On a large campus like ours, riding a bike can get you where you’re going a whole lot faster than walking. Cycling to and from campus can save students serious money on gas, too. Not to mention, pedal power is completely eco-friendly.
Riding a bike has its risks, though. Safety is a major concern, especially considering the cyclist is vulnerable to distracted drivers or pedestrians. Accidents can happen to even the most experienced cyclists, and it is up to the whole community to keep the roads safe for us all.
The easiest way to share the road is to know the road. Often, the safest and most beautiful bike paths are secluded from street view, so you might not even realize they exist. BikeBR, an interactive online map which evaluates city roads according to their bike friendly characteristics, is a great way to plan your ideal route.
After selecting your path, make sure to keep in mind a few basic safety tips as you pedal to your destination.
Dress right! Remember to wear a helmet that fits and close-toed shoes. Roll up loose pants, or tuck them in to avoid snagging. When riding at night, wear brightly colored clothing and use front and rear lights in addition to reflectors to ensure that you can see and be seen.
Brush up on the rules of the road! Ride the same direction as vehicle traffic, look before turning and yield to cars when appropriate. Be predictable by signalling turns and biking in a straight line, rather than weaving in and out of cars. Stay within 3 feet of the curb and remember that it is the law for cars to give you 3 feet of room while passing.
Stay Alert! Keep your headphones off so you can see and hear what’s going on around you. Make sure to warn approaching pedestrians of your presence with a polite “excuse me” or “to your left!”
Be nice! Avoid sidewalks and do your best to give pedestrians their space, especially on campus. Please don’t be “that guy” who rides through the Quad at noon. Be “that guy” who waves to cars that let you pass.
Get involved! The numerous bicycle groups based on campus and around Baton Rouge cater to a range of interests, from advocacy groups to bike polo leagues. Consider joining an organization to familiarize yourself with the cycling community.
Above all else, remember the words of the famous explorer James E. Starrs,”Melancholy is incompatible with bicycling.”
Visit the Student Government homepage to find a link to LSU Bikes!, a website with these bike safety tips and links to local organizations.
Lauren Stuart
Coordinator, Greater Baton Rouge Clean Cities Coalition
Molly Ronan
Intern, Greater Baton Rouge Clean Cities Coalition
Lauren Hull
Assistant Director of Sustainability,
Student Government
John Tracy
Co-President, ECO@LSU
 
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