UTSA has placed “bikefriendly campus” signage at each entrance and in designated parking lots on the Main Campus this semester.
“As a community of more than 36,000 students, faculty and staff, including 4,000 students who live on our growing Main Campus footprint, getting around by bike is becoming more common at UTSA,” Lani May, UTSA director of sustainability, said. “The message ‘bicycle friendly’ reinforces that, and lets motorists know that UTSA welcomes bicycles on the road.”
In addition to the bicycle trails and bicycle racks available to students on and around campus, UTSA is increasing the resources available for those who ride bicycles on campus.
“UTSA is adding new resources to accommodate the growing number of bikes on campus, including new racks that will be installed this semester,” May said. “Additionally, the city is adding ten new footpaths connecting the UTSA Main Campus to the Leon Greenway, facilitating hiking and biking accessibility along UTSA Blvd.”
Students on campus agree with wanting more renovations for bicycle users. “There should be more safe paths for bicycles around campus for those who choose to ride their bikes to campus,” Cameron Huch, environmental science major sophomore, said.
According to May, bicycle accidents occasionally occur on or near campus, and most of these accidents involve bicyclists who run into pedestrians or cars, or who fall off their bicycle.
Even though bicycle accidents occur, campus police are able to assist with bicycle safety.
“The UTSA Police Department offers etching of bike serial numbers, gave out safety lights and U-locks and last year participated in a bicycle safety and maintenance workshop in collaboration with Campus Recreation,” May said.
While UTSA has been making efforts to expand resources for bicycle riders on campus, the university hopes to continue promoting bicycle riding.
“Efforts to encourage biking at UTSA are ongoing,” May said. ”The Office of Facilities and Office of Sustainability are working on several conceptual plans to add bicycle and pedestrian lanes to campus and create pedestrian and bicycle corridors.”
