All across Norman, bicyclists and pedestrians get along just fine. A few pedestrians might complain about bikes whizzing past them unexpectedly, and bikers may roll their eyes at groups of people clogging the flow of sidewalk traffic, but other than that, it’s pretty peaceful.

That is, until you get to the South Oval.

All respect for the bike lane, which takes up roughly 20 percent of the walkway, goes out the window. Pedestrians openly walk in the bike path not only when the street is crowded, but even when hardly anyone is present.

Just last week, I saw a person walking his dog on the bike lane when the street wasn’t even crowded. If the dog were on a bike, then it would be understandable (and awesome). And yes, the walkway was clear, so any bikers could just go around him.

But this is about principle. It’s about rules. We can’t have peace and a respectful understanding of the cohabitation of bikes and pedestrians if the rules are being broken. The bike lane is for bikes, not your feet. The walkway is for everyone, even bikers. But this only applies when the walkways are empty. Then, bikers need to stay in the bike lanes.

Now, I know it sounds like I am arguing in circles, saying that the bike lane should always remain clear of anything other than bikers, and you’re exactly right. This is because the bike lane is small and you have ample room to walk everywhere else on campus. Just stay out. It’s pretty simple. If you’re walking, look down and see you’re in the bike lane, follow this simple guide on how to correct the issue:

Get out of the bike lane.

Not all pedestrians are like this. I’ve seen a few pedestrians look left and right just before crossing the dreaded bike path and some are even more cautious doing this than when they are crossing the road. But this doesn’t change the fact that people abuse the bike lanes, despite the obvious human traffic jam they are causing. The most frustrating thing about this problem is that it’s easily solved: stop walking in the bike lane. (I have already provided a handy guide on how to get out if you find yourself in the lane. See previous paragraph). Trust me, it would be better for everyone involved.

I know this is an issue that is constantly brought up semester after semester, but it is because people never listen and are unwilling to change their habits to help others.