Editor,
I was kind of appalled when I read that the University will spend $5.5 million to build a parking garage on campus.
For some reason, I had thought the University might take a leading role in promoting responsible forms of transportation. Our gluttonous use of petroleum resources is irresponsible and contributes to world instability. U.S. foreign policy, created by special interest groups, to acquire and maintain a steady flow of oil creates animosity towards Americans. The war that the Bush administration would like to wage against Iraq is all about oil and has nothing to do with weapons of mass destruction. When the University goes out of its way to accommodate more automobiles they inadvertently continue to support the status quo.
As a committed bicycle commuter I have chosen to live life dangerously. People often compliment me for my choice of vehicle and say they wish they could get around by bicycle too. They tell me that their fear of cars and lousy drivers is the main reason they do not travel this way.
So, I have to wonder why the University is so reluctant to accommodate bicycling on campus, especially since parking is such a problem. Most of the Universities that I have visited have bike paths or lanes around its perimeter and major access roads. Bicycle racks are plentiful and are placed in well-lighted and safe locations. I guess our University doesn't really give a damn because there are virtually no safe access roads for bicycles. Roads that used to have wide shoulders or bicycle lanes around campus have been removed to accommodate the parallel parking of cars.
By making it easier for students to park their cars the University inadvertently encourages more people to drive. If anything, the University should make finding a parking spot more difficult, which might force people to consider alternative forms of transportation. I believe the University could alleviate some of its parking problems by adding bicycle lanes, paths, and racks around campus, especially since most people who attend college live within riding distance.
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Doug Flynn
UNM alumnus
