Police respond to problems with bikes, cars and pedestrians at OSU
CORVALLIS, Ore. – An increase in the number of students on the Oregon State University campus this year has led to more negative interactions between bicyclists, pedestrians and vehicles, and actions are being planned to address this.
There has already been at least one documented collision this term between a bicyclist and a pedestrian, and Lt. Steve Mitchell of the Oregon State Police says the complaints have gotten so frequent that OSP and the OSU Department of Public Safety are planning an intervention.
“We call it enforcement by education,” Mitchell said.
On Wednesday and Thursday, Nov. 7-8, from 1 to 4 p.m., OSP and DPS will conduct a saturation operation on Jefferson Street in front of the Kerr Administration Building, on Campus Way near the Memorial Union.
Mitchell said increasing congestion on OSU streets and sidewalks, especially in the 10 minutes before and after class begins, has been made worse by those who don’t follow traffic laws.
“It’s not just bicyclists, it’s pedestrians and other vehicles too,” Mitchell said. He said it appears that many bicyclists don’t know that they are subject to the same laws as any other moving vehicle, or disregard that fact, and are frequently seen blasting through stop signs or weaving in and out of areas where they shouldn’t be riding.
Meanwhile, pedestrians are stepping out without looking or listening for bike traffic, increasing their risk of being struck. On one recent afternoon, five cars were pulled over by OSP after running stop signs on campus.
“We just want to make everybody safe,” Mitchell said. “That’s our highest priority.”
Officers will have discretion whether or not to issue citations during the saturation operation. If cited, bicyclists violating traffic laws could face the same court appearance and $260 fine as an automobile driver.
But most of the interactions on Nov. 7-8 will be the start of a conversation about the safe and legal ways to get around campus, officials said.
Looks like a big money maker for the parasitic police state.
The OSP need to do the same thing in Eugene, not just around the U of O bit all across the city, it's a constant battle between t he three groups every day. No one stops for any one, and if you do stop by obeying the law you will likely get rear ended yourself! Downtown they harass the kids and some bicyclists but never the cars unless it's obvious but even then it iffy. LE could also get a lot from citing bicyclists for failing to act as a motor vehicle, no signaling or stopping when required, direction of travel, etc. All of these things used to be taught in grade school and traffic awareness campaigns by police and fire persons giving everyone the same opportunity and tools to survive in the world occupied by 2 and three ton motorized vehicles, forget huge trucks and semis; but no more it costs too much, other stuff is more important, blah, blah, blah! Any way, watch out for yourself and be aware of what is around you and don't take stupid chances, it will improve everyone's chances!
I think that since bicyles use the roadway and are required to follow the rules of the road as are automobiles, the operators of bicycles should have a bicycle endorsement, similar to what is required of motorcycles. They should also have to license their bikes to help pay the bill on road maintenance and enforcement. After all it is all about fairness and carrying one's share of the load, right?
@souptonuts Wrong... you are looking to take away even more freedom from freedom strapped America... more laws, endless regulations, fines ,fees, tickets, etc, etc. (the government hates us because of our freedom).
@2easy2berightback Do you call paying someone else's way freedom? I would like to be free from some of the extra tax burden, wouldn't you? They are already subject to the laws, the cops just have to start enforcing them. I have to pay a fee to use every vehicle I have except my lawmower, and I don't get it on the highway. I like you don't want to lose more freedom. I still say they should carry part of the load.