The Bicycle at Stanford University and in Palo Alto
by Daniel Atticus Anderson
As a student in college, I do not have the necessary funding to own a car. Hopefully I will soon be able to hold down a job in addition to my classes, but for now my only method of transportation is a bicycle. Here on the Stanford campus, this is not a bad situation to be in at all.
Stanford is a place that is designed for a bicycle. It is almost impossible to get around without a bike here. A friend, Elie Ballas, was commenting on how much time he was losig due to walking from class to class. With an average of six 10 and 12 minute walks to and from class each day, a valuable hour of his day was spent commuting.
With my bike I can usually get to class in under five minutes. Very helpful if one class is on West campus and the next class is on the far East side.
For the most part I feel that my bike is safe here at campus. The largest reported crime here on campus is bike theft.
In the 2010 Stanford University Safety, Security, and Fire Report, the list programs that Stanford is involved with to promote bicycle safety.
“Stanford University offers a variety of educational services for bicycle riders designed to enhance safety. Programs include:
• Bike Safety Lights—Over 3,000 bicycle safety lights have been distributed to students free of charge since September of 2000.
• Student Dorm Bicycle Safety Road Shows – This unique program is hosted 15 times per quarter (on average) and consists of a comprehensive bicycle safety presentation, free tune_ ups, a bicycle safety and general knowledge quiz and an interactive safety discussion.
• Bicycle Safety and Citation Diversion Classes – In lieu of paying a traffic fine for a bicycle infraction, bicycle riders may attend a free (1) hour class. Over 1,200 attendees have been educated in the 40 classes that have been held since the fall of 2008. Sign up on police.stanford.edu.
• Bicycle Helmet Promotion – When wearing a helmet, riders are provided with a “reward” for modeling good cycling behavior.
• Bicycle Safety Stations – Hosted every Friday, register bicycles and receive a free safety clinic. __ Student_to_Student Education Program – Three students are hired under this program to assist in peer_to_peer safety outreach during “Dormitory Shows”
While many people have bicycles that they got at either the Campus Book Store, or on craigslist, there are many students who take pride in their bikes. Most everyone agrees that a bike is the only way to get around campus efficiently. Skateboarders often disagree, but when approached with a steep uphill, bicycles still win.
When a student leaves a bie somehwere that is prohibited, or perhaps just loses it, the Stanford maintenance crews come to pick it up. Before Winter, Spring and Summer breaks, unattended bikes are removed.
