Sources: Pat Bosco, 785-532-6237, bosco@k-state.edu;
and Don Stubbings, 785-532-6412, ksu135@k-state.edu
News release prepared by: Katie Mayes, 785-532-6415, kmayes@k-state.edu

Monday, Sept. 14, 2009

K-STATE BICYCLISTS AND PEDESTRIANS REMINDED TO KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR EACH OTHER TO PREVENT ACCIDENTS

MANHATTAN -- On a busy campus like Kansas State University, it's not uncommon to see students on foot or bike rushing across campus to class or some other important destination.

K-State officials want to remind both pedestrians and bicyclists on campus that accidents can be prevented by watching out for each other and taking their time to get where they need to go.

"K-State has a spacious campus that everyone should be able to enjoy. For the most part, cyclists, pedestrians and drivers are conscientious and courteous," said Pat Bosco, vice president for student life and dean of students at K-State. "But we share a responsibility to watch out for one another. That goes for pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers -- everybody's on the move, so pay attention."

Capt. Don Stubbings of the K-State Police Department said that while bicycle-pedestrian accidents are uncommon on campus, both bicyclists and pedestrians can do their part to continue to keep K-State safe.

He said bicyclists belong on the road, and can use it safely by staying to the far right or using bike lanes where designated on campus.

"The sidewalks are not designed for both bicyclists and pedestrians," he said. "They're designed for pedestrians."

Cyclists also have the same responsibilities as vehicles in crosswalks, which by law must yield to pedestrians.

Pedestrians also need to watch for bicyclists on the sidewalks and elsewhere across campus. Just being aware of one's surroundings goes a long way to preventing accidents, Stubbings said.

Anyone who is concerned about bicyclists on sidewalks or about other situations that could be dangerous to pedestrians and bicyclists, should contact the K-State Police Department at 785-532-6412.