Professor offers informative session to keep bicyclists safe

Marshall University is implementing measures to  ensure bicyclers on campus are more comfortable.

Brent Patterson, new media professor and bicycle commuter, sponsored a bicycle commuting meeting  Friday.

During the event, Patterson shared his advice for biking safely in Huntington and said he encouraged his fellow commuters to keep riding a bike because it "keeps your body and mind sharp."

The meeting covered safe routes around Huntington, new technology and acted as an overall support group for fellow cyclists.

Lindsay Williams, junior dietetics major from Richwood, W.Va., said she was excited to move to Marshall because she could bike around campus and into town.

Patterson moved to Huntington five years ago and said he found the city "way too dangerous" for bicyclists.

However, a year ago, he said he discovered a significant attitude change among drivers.  

"I found cars a lot more accommodating and, I think I can attribute that to the fact that there's a lot more bikes out there and people have grown used to us," Patterson said.

A group that has helped change Huntington driver's outlook is Critical Mass. The group organizes a meeting of bicyclists each month at Ritter Park, where they gather and ride through Huntington.

"The Critical Mass bike ride is a nice way of declaring our presence," Patterson said.

The bicycle commuter group said intersections are the most dangerous part of bicycling.

Patterson said bike riders should stick with one mode.

"If you are a pedestrian, act like a pedestrian; but if you are acting like a vehicle, act like a vehicle," he said.

Eye contact with a driver at an intersection is an important defense mechanism, Patterson said. "Bicyclists should take the lane so the drivers know you are there."

As an added precaution, carrying the city traffic code could prevent animosity from police who may be unaware of cyclists' ability to ride on the streets.

The group shared stories of harassment and being hit by cars.

Williams said she is disappointed by drivers. "I don't always feel perfectly safe," William said. "I've actually been hit on campus, not in town, but on campus where you would feel most safe."

Patterson said he avoids Hal Greer Boulevard because he thinks there are a lot of out-of-towners who are lost and looking for the hospital and interstate.

The meeting emphasized safety in numbers and varying commuting routes.

Patterson said he plans to establish group commuting meet-up times and routes as well as a variety of routes that single commuters might use to avoid hazards.

Students can rent bicycles from the Eco-cycle loan at the Recreation Center from 7a.m. to 7 p.m.

The Eco-cycle loan is open to all students and faculty with a Marshall ID and hopes to extend its services to alumni.­

Christina Carrion can be contacted at carrion@marshall.edu.