Improving bike safety in Davis
GRAPHIC: What Davis High students like about biking. (HUB Graphic/Vik Prasad)
By Jordan Kim and Vik Prasad
BlueDevilHUB.com Staff —
In Davis, California, bikes are more than just a mode of transportation – they’re a way of life. Known for its extensive network of bike paths and bike-friendly culture, Davis has long been a haven for cyclists of all ages and skill levels.
The history of Davis as a bike-friendly city can be traced back to the early 1960s. The city became the first in the United States to implement a bicycle lane on a public street, and by 1967, the city had established a Bicycle Advisory Commission.
“I enjoy biking to school and around town, as it as a time to clear the mind,” said Sophomore Mathias Rendon.
But with recent concerns over bike safety and infrastructure, the city is now facing new challenges in its efforts to maintain its status as a premier biking destination
“We need to have separated bike lanes that separate bikers from cars on the road,” said Sanne Stark Fettinger, a treasurer of Bike Davis, a non profit organization who advocates for a better bike culture in Davis.
Bikers and drivers are called to share the road with one another and bike lanes and roads are connected in two which can lead to dangerous situations.
“Biking needs to be the first priority in Davis. If you look at the roads in Davis, they are designed poorly and favor higher speeds as they look so long. This leads to unsafe conditions for bikers who are sharing the roads or in the bike lane,” said Darrell Dickey, a member of the Bike Davis advisory board.
Problems with bike safety are ongoing at Davis High and students have firsthand experience with this.
“I can’t even tell you the amount of times I’ve almost collided with a car,” says Sophomore Alex Erickson, “I think our school needs more crossing guards or for there to be bike traffic signals.”
Biking has become a staple of transportation for many students at Davis, not just college students.
“When I’m almost arriving at school, you need to focus because it gets a lot more hectic and dangerous,” said Rendon.
Citizens should not have to worry about their safety when biking, but should instead be able to bike without having to worry about where other cars are.
“We need to enforce rules about the bike lane. Having UPS trucks or other delivery trucks parked in biking lanes is ridiculous,” said Fettinger. “This puts bikers in danger as they have to go out into the road made for cars not bikes.”
In a perfect world, there would be a balance where bikers do not have to worry about cars or other obstacles when biking.
Bike Davis however, has some great tips for safety when biking.
“Always be aware of your surroundings. This means no music, no being on your phone,” said Dickey. “You can never rely on others for the safety of your own well being.”
Prioritizing bike safety is essential for ensuring the well-being of both cyclists and pedestrians on our roads. This can be done by making sure to always wear a helmet and obey traffic laws.
