Sidewalk shakers throw bikers in confusion

Publication Date: 09/06/2007

Thank you Editorial board for that enlightening piece of sensationalism about harebrained sidewalk bikers ("Fast bikers on campus sidewalks create hazard," Aug. 29). Can your next piece be on harebrained sidewalk walkers? The ones that are so engrossed in a cell phone conversation/iPod listening/daydreaming that they can't walk a straight line and weave like they've already had a few? The ones that insist on walking blindly as a gaggle into the bicycle lanes (they do exist)? The ones that see a bicyclist well in advance but juke like Barry Sanders as if a cyclist is going to move in any other path than a straight line (laws of physics would state otherwise) causing a near collision?

I'd venture a guess that the "abrasions, fractures and bruising caused by bike to pedestrian collisions" are largely the fault of inattentive pedestrians as well as cyclists. But, like the story, I lack "specific data." I'm just pointing out the "capability of a serious injury" that lies in both parties.

Mudslinging and sarcasm aside, if everyone (cyclists, pedestrians and motorists) were a bit more aware of their surroundings, as well as respectful of others, this wouldn't be the apparent issue that it is.

And, yes, I try to schedule my rides to wherever I'm going so I may avoid heavy pedestrian traffic, and walk my bike when necessary. Believe me, it wouldn't make my day to do injure someone, or to experience the inevitable faceplant into the concrete that would result.

Brian Postek

Purdue staff