Cyclist safety is a major concern along Euclid Avenue, but there must be a compromise between commuters and drivers to reduce the amount of accidents along the street and create safer conditions for cyclists.

College students make up the highest percentage of bike commuters in Syracuse.
According to the Euclid Avenue Bicycle Safety Plan, there are about 500 cyclists on Euclid Avenue throughout winter and fall.

Advocates for the Euclid Avenue bike lane have received more than 1,000 signatures for their petition asking for change along the street, as cyclists are at a high risk of being hit by cars.

Currently, Euclid Avenue caters to cars and cyclists by providing alternate side parking, but it still does not have a dedicated bike path. As a result, cyclists may be victims to accidents. Parked cars that blatantly disregard the regulations can also act as an obstacle.

With such an influx of cyclists along Euclid Avenue and on Syracuse University’s campus, safety must be ensured. At the same time, Euclid Avenue is one of the busiest streets near campus, and parking should not be completely eliminated in favor of bike lanes.

As a compromise, Euclid Avenue should dedicate a single side of the street to parking, and the opposite side to a two-way bike lane, similar to the two-way bike lane that exists along University Avenue.

The bike lane along University Avenue has a raised sidewalk, separating cars from the cyclists, making it safer for both groups. Euclid Avenue would benefit greatly from this addition, because a designated bike lane separate from the road may reduce the possibility of some accidents — such as drivers hitting cyclists and cyclists riding into car doors.

A two-way bike lane allows parking to remain on Euclid Avenue — a street that is already congested with cars. It would also allow cyclists to ride in both directions, without being forced to go against traffic.

A safer bike lane may also encourage more people to consider riding bicycles. This could further reduce carbon emissions by lowering the number of cars being used, and provide alternatives for potential commuters besides buses.

While cyclist accidents on Euclid Avenue are frequent, eliminating parking on a crowded street would be difficult and unrealistic. This compromise would benefit both drivers and cyclists and improve the environment of the campus as a whole.

Published on April 22, 2014 at 1:00 am