Anyone who has almost been run down by a bike on Locust Walk will appreciate the new signs reminding everyone they cannot ride their bicycles on the core of campus from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The signs are part of the Division of Public Safety's "Share the Road Campaign," an initiative targeted at improving safety for bicyclists, motorists and pedestrians on and around campus.
Penn Police Capt. Joe Fischer said members of DPS will hand out informational pamphlets to bicyclists and motorists on Sept. 29 in front of the Penn Bookstore, located at 3601 Walnut St. The pamphlets are designed to inform them of the policies and laws surrounding bicycling on campus and in Philadelphia.
"Motorists sometimes feel that bicyclists are disregarding all the laws, and bicyclists feel somewhat pinched by motorists," Fischer said.
In response, the campaign will also focus on promoting a mutual courtesy between drivers and bicyclists, he said.
On the same day, Penn bicycle police officers will also be on hand to demonstrate how to register a bicycle and properly use a bike lock. The event is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. in front of the Penn Bookstore.
In addition, Fischer pointed out, DPS members will be stationed on Locust Walk in the coming weeks to promote awareness of the daytime biking ban.
"It isn't that we are adverse to bicyclists - as a matter of fact, we promote bike riding in the area - but to have it on Locust Walk during the daytime hours is dangerous both to bicyclists and pedestrians," Fischer said.
DPS spokeswoman Stef Cella pointed out that Penn Police receive "hundreds" of complaints about careless bikers on the core of campus.
Instead, Fischer said, bicyclists should use streets with designated bicycle lanes.
He added that riding a bike on the sidewalk is illegal in the city of Philadelphia, pointing out that Penn's bicycle police officers have special permits and "extensive training" navigating sidewalks.
"The best advice, especially for bicyclists, is to really be conscious of their surroundings, of their environment," Fischer said. "These aren't country roads."
Wharton junior Chris Chomiak, who rode his bike to work in Center City every day this summer, said he was almost hit by cars several times.
"Anything that would promote cooperation between drivers and bikers would be a source of good in my opinion," Chomiak said.
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