I entirely disagree with Taurean Small’s article about bike riders on Sept. 21. As a bike rider I am mindful of my surroundings and always shout to pedestrians, I even do my best to avoid sidewalks to stay out of people’s way. I even slow down at corners where a pedestrian could be walking unseen.

The real issue here is people not paying attention to anything. I have needed to avoid reckless pedestrians on countless occasions. Some pedestrians seem to know that I am coming and as soon as I near them they begin to swerve all over the sidewalk forcing me to dive off into streets or grass to avoid them. Even worse are the students texting while walking making them completely oblivious to their surroundings. I’m surprised that pedestrians don’t bump into each other while walking because they are so distracted.

Bicyclists should not shoulder all the blame, pedestrians need to pay attention as well. We share the sidewalk or any other walking space and both parties need to be mindful of that.

Also, I do believe that bikes have the right of way. It is way easier for a person to move or stop than a fast moving bike. If you were walking in the street, would you expect to have the right of way? No. A bike always will beat a pedestrian, and walkers should be mindful of that.

Sean Kerwin

Senior

Geology major