Getting from point A to point B by bike on this campus is more of chore than it should be thanks to multiple shortcomings in the University’s bike infrastructure. Consistent problems across the bike path system include a lack of maintenance, discontinuity, poor placement, lackluster signage or markings and insufficient bike rack amenities. We have previously noted the University’s ignorance on these matters, and yet problems persist. Below are some highlights of our gripes.

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Location: Fourth Street and Peabody Ave

Apparently when bike riders get to Fourth and Peabody, they are expected to either stop riding or head straight into a light pole. This is a clear inconvenience and something comparable to Platform 9 ¾ from Harry Potter. Maybe if bikers ride into the pole they will be transported to a magical world outside of the University where people actually put some thought into bike infrastructure. 

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Location: Sixth Street, south of Armory Ave

On this particular bike path, bushes get the right of way — literally. The bushes are wide enough such that they take up almost half of the bike lane, leaving less room for bikers to travel on this particular path. Obstacles both natural and artificial are not uncommon occurrences on many University paths.

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Location: Armory and Wright CUMTD Stop

At several junctions, bike paths are sandwiched directly between a bus stop and the street. As a result, pedestrians waiting or getting on and off the buses barricade the bike path and use it like a sidewalk, which is a definite safety hazard for all involved.

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Location: West side of the Armory

The bike path outside of the Armory, like many other paths on campus, is in severe disrepair. Bike paths in high traffic areas like this should be mended regularly to ensure bikers will actually be able to use them and ensure efficient travel for all.

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Location: the Main Quad

The Quad is one of the most congested areas on campus, and there is only one bike path, running east to west, that goes across it. The path is often used as a sidewalk, and even when people are using it properly, it’s hard for bikers to cross while so many people are walking to and from class. The placement of north – south paths on all the quads could serve to minimize conflicts between bikers and pedestrians. 

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Location: First Street, South of Gregory 

Like many of the faded paths on campus, the First Street path between Gregory and Peabody is not clearly labeled with yellow lines or signs to indicate that it is a bike lane in the first place. This causes confusion among pedestrians and bike riders, alike.

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Location: Fourth and Peabody (SE corner)

At the corner of Fourth and Peabody there is construction that creates an abrupt dead-end at the bike lane. There are many other occasions, past and present, when the University’s construction projects (such as the new ECE building) have freely infringed on the bike paths without any thought given to creating an alternate route. This poses a potential safety hazard and inconvenience for bike riders.