USC bike etiquette on campus

By Lauren Brose ‘15 

This message is for both pedestrian and biker

USC students commute to class a number of ways: on foot or by car, bike, skateboard as well as the occasional Razor scooter. During prime hours, getting around can get a little clustered and cause unwarranted collisions—especially during the first week of school when many first attempt to brave the intersection at Jefferson and Hoover. If everyone was on the same page, the ebb and flow of student transportation would be much more efficient and less dangerous, too. 

As a biker myself, I have noticed several things that would bug me when I would bike to campus. However, my bike was stolen over winter break so I now walk to class. Ironically enough, I noticed myself doing the very things that initially annoyed me about non-biking students. Whether you’re an avid biker or an everyday walker, it is still important to keep several pointers in mind since we need to coexist amongst one another. :D

Bike Lanes

Bike lanes are situated on both sides of Trousdale and extend from one side of campus to another. The bike line can be identified by the spray-painted icons of a Trojan riding a bike. Oftentimes bikers find pedestrians walking in the bike lanes and obstructing traffic. As a result, bikers feel inclined to bike on the sidewalk that is 3x the width of the bike lane. To prevent accidents and to ensure maximum flow of traffic, it is best to keep all bikers in the bike lanes and all walkers on the designated walkways.

Direction of commute

When we drive a car, it is against the law to drive against opposing traffic. For obvious reasons, this is an important law to have because otherwise cars would be coming from all directions making nasty collisions inevitable. Moreover, I’ve heard of students being pulled over and receiving tickets for going against traffic in the street. The photo above illustrates the direction that bikers should go in respects to cars. When considering USC’s campus, I believe that we should apply this same principle to biking on Trousdale Pkwy. 

This one is crazy important

At every intersection are sidewalks with cement ramps that are for disabled individuals as well as bikers. At busy intersections such as Jefferson & Hoover, it becomes extremely difficult for bikers to smoothly get off the sidewalk and into the street through that cement ramp because there was an overwhelming amount of pedestrians walking directly in their way. The thing is, the sidewalk is no more than 1 ft tall. Why can’t they simply step off of the curb and allow bikers to roll down the ramp? Now an avid walker, I always avoid walking down that ramp. 

A couple things bikers should note:

• Avoid weaving—it catches pedestrians off guard!
  
• With bike lanes being the width of 1/3 the sidewalk, it’s important to ride single file.
  
• Be aware that not all drivers will be aware you are near them. I almost got hit by a car numerous times but was never hit because I always biked defensively. I would recommend getting a light for when you’re biking in the dark.
  
• Campus paths are shared with students; try to avoid going at high speeds
  
• Register your bike on campus at the Department of Public Safety. This is how you are able to prove that this is your bike if it is ever stolen on campus.
  
• At the end of the day, pedestrians and disabled people legally have the right of way
  

A couple things that pedestrians should keep in mind:

• Bikes are pretty heavy and damaging so steering clear should be an objective. Avoid walking in bike lanes and walking down the cement ramps at street intersections.
  
• I get it–– walking to class while bumping your favorite songs is a totally awesome way to start your school day; however, be aware of your surroundings.
  
• Know that as a pedestrian you do have the right of way. Also, understand that there is a very large bike culture at USC so it is your responsibility to be alert and avoid getting in a bikers way.