New bike lanes installed on Trousdale Parkway
Stay in your lane. That’s the message being sent to the roughly 10,000 students riding bicycles on the University Park Campus, particularly on Trousdale Parkway where new bike lanes have been installed.
Part of the “We are Considerate. We are USC.” campaign launched last November, the bike lanes run along the central median of Trousdale Parkway from 34th Street to Bloom Walk. Arrows and a cardinal Trojan mark the new lanes. Bicyclists and skateboarders must ride in the direction of the arrows and are required to dismount when crossing pedestrian traffic.
“It’s a first step toward trying to achieve a better balance of safety between pedestrians and bicycle riders,” explained Charles Lane, associate senior vice president of Career and Protective Services. “We just want to try this to see if people are going to be accepting of the notion of bike lanes. At any given moment, we probably have upwards of 8,000 to 10,000 bikes on campus. Our standpoint is how can we make it safer for people on campus?”
Sophomore Chelsea Liu, who bought a bicycle the first week of classes, appreciates the new bike lanes.
“It’s a good idea and really more convenient for everyone on Trousdale,” she said. “The bike lanes will work if everyone follows the rules, but it will take some time for people to get used to them.”
The university sought advice from outside consultants to develop a comprehensive plan to address the issues and concerns of bicyclists and pedestrians. Other areas within the campus community, including high-traffic areas around the parking structures and throughout North University Park, are being examined for opportunities to add bike lanes.
Michael L. Jackson, vice president for Student Affairs, hopes that these logistical improvements will help Trojans look out for each other’s well-being and safety.
“With respect to the use of bicycles and skateboards and other modes of transportation on campus, we have to try to be more considerate of each other, particularly, pedestrians,” Jackson said. “If you’re on a mode of transportation that’s moving along pretty swiftly, you’ve got to watch out for other people.”
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