:: Running from the Thought Police ::

:: Sunday, November 06, 2005 ::

Campus Safety Roundup

Now that the recent set of CATS saftey subcommitte meetings are over, the News-Gazette is running a round-up article on campus transportation safety.

In the article, Pam Voitik, director of UI Campus Services, said that there were too many busses going through campus. I personally disagree with her, and at the meetings that I went to she seemed to be a minority on the committee. While Bill Volk, MTD's managing director, may catch a lot of flak in local parts, some of it deserved, he does have a good point that the 21 Quad and 26 Pack are high-demand services, hence their frequency, and that the 22 Illini exists to meet other safety needs. However, since the Illini is designed to provide nighttime safety, I think that the route could be stopped during weekdays, with service starting on that route at 5pm as darkness falls. That'd get one bus route out of the campus core during peak class hours. As for the community routes, it'd be kinda hard for the MTD to serve the entire Champaign-Urbana community while avoiding the geographic and economic center of the community, which is campus. That said, some rerouting could probably be done, especially to reduce turning movements.

I'm kinda neutral on the speed limit thing. I know why some people wanted the limit lowered, but I can also understand why people don't think it'll do anything. What I don't get are the people who whine about making driving around campus inconvenient. Umm, hello! Driving around campus is supposed to be inconvenient. That's why campustown near the quad is a maze. If people don't drive in that area by choice, the number of opportunities for pedestrian vs. vehicle interactions goes down, and everyone's happy. Nonetheless, I don't think the speed limits are going to be lowered anytime soon.

Also, it appears that Sarah Channick was on her cell phone. I guess all the people who were whining about "blaming the pedestrians" can now eat crow. I'm waiting....

While I'm waiting, I do agree with the need for increased education, not just for pedestrians but for local motorists and cyclists as well. Eveyone could stand to do a bit better around here.

If you think I've missed anything, leave a note in the comments. They've been pitifully empty of late.

:: The Squire 1:32 PM :: email this post :: ::
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