MP3 listeners meander onto designated bike lanes

Publication Date: 09/05/2007

In response to the editorial on crazy cyclists on campus ("Fast bikers on campus sidewalks create hazard," Aug. 29): I personally am a cyclist and took offense to it, even though I don't ride on campus. In four years at Purdue I haven't had any problems with cyclists running me over because I'm alert when I'm on campus. The problem I see is groups of pedestrians with MP3 players on, off in their own little world. In West Lafayette and Lafayette the law states that a cyclist isn't allowed to ride on the sidewalks. Purdue then provided cyclists with bike lanes on campus, but pedestrians often ignore posted signs and use them as a sidewalk. Isn't this just as intelligent as walking in the middle of the street with your back to traffic? I understand that not all cyclists on campus use the bike lanes and that there are some ignorant and arrogant cyclists in the world, but putting all the blame on cyclists just isn't fair.

Jordan Worley

Senior, College of Technology