Video

The Daily talks to bike riders on campus What should the novice bike rider know about OU's bike-friendly (or not) campus? Watch

This summer, gas prices skyrocketed and some students started riding bikes instead of driving cars, causing frustration for drivers, bikers and pedestrians.

OU’s campus had a significant increase of cyclists this year, most likely because of gas prices, said Vanessa Sherk, health and exercise science instructor.

Psychology senior Adam Parks said he rides his bike almost everywhere. He bought a new bike this summer, and he lives so close to campus that he said it would be pointless to drive to class or work.

“Everything I need is within biking distance,” Parks said.

But as the number of bikers increases, so does the possibility of bike related accidents with both vehicles and pedestrians.

Sherk said she hopes the increase of bikers will make everyone more aware and respectful.

Parks said the tension between cyclists and pedestrians is a simple misunderstanding.

Although bikes are rising in popularity, the majority of students who use them do not realize that they are required to follow all the same rules as if they were driving a car, Parks said.

“The problem is people don’t know how to ride safely or properly,” he said.

Cyclists often tend to weave in between pedestrians, which is not only unsafe but also annoying to the students who walk, Parks said.

He said if all students strived to become more aware, the two groups should be able to come to an understanding.

If bikers and pedestrians would use common sense, accidents would never be a problem, said Wayne Billings, a general management junior who rides his bike around campus.

“Bikers want to hit pedestrians about as much as pedestrians want to be hit, which is obviously never,” Billings said.

As long as bikers take the responsibility to follow bike regulations, they should not be a hazard to pedestrians, Sherk said.

“Bikers need to realize that pedestrians still have the right of way,” she said.

Parks said he also thinks walkers on campus should look both ways before crossing through a bike lane, to avoid a potential collision.

In the past few years OU has taken a few precautions to help prevent bike accidents, including creating a bike lane along the South Oval, but the majority of cyclists wish there were more, Sherk said.

Parks said that big cities, as well as a few universities in Oklahoma, have programs especially for those in need of a bike.

The “Bum-a-Bike” program at the University of Central Oklahoma allows students to check out a bike for up to two weeks at a time, Parks said.

A similar program at OU would be a great asset for students who live farther away or cannot afford their own bike, Billings said.

Norman has also been trying to help keep bikers and pedestrians safer, said Jack Burdett, engineering assistant for the City Planning office.

Norman recently applied for state funding to fix the lack of sidewalks in town, Burdett said.

“Riding a bike is ideal for college students, especially if you live in the dorms, or one mile off campus because you don’t need a car,” Parks said.

Bike Safety Tips

• Both pedestrians and bikers need to be aware of each other.

• Do not walk in the bike lane.

• While riding a bike, do not weave in between walking students.

• Pedestrians must look both ways before crossing through the bike lane.

• Follow all traffic laws.

• Ride in a straight line.

• Lock up the bike when it is parked.

• Wear a helmet.

• Make sure the bike is in good condition.

• Slow down.