Letter
Cycling suggestions

October 31, 2008

In response to"Campus Safety enforcing rules of the road for cyclists" in the Oct 17 issue of OCN, the difficulties Campus Safety has been having with cyclists underscore the roadway's inability to accommodate cars, cyclists and pedestrians on the same right of way, or on rights of way that frequently cross paths.

What can be done to improve the traffic safety situation on campus?"We would rather educate than enforce," said Bob Ferguson. CAN-BIKE safety courses are available from the Canadian Cycling Association, instruction is rare in Saskatchewan. Perhaps Campus Safety could provide safe riding courses for cycling students and staff. I see cyclists all over who lack the skill and awareness for riding in traffic.

Our campus is unquestionably designed to favor the automobile, and we have a network of very inefficient and curvy pedestrian/cycling pathways. Perhaps infrastructure improvements such as traffic calming and a more complete pathway system would also reduce car/cyclist conflicts.

Traffic safety is a shared responsibility for all road users, whether they are on four wheels or two.

Mark Sadoway
University Advancement