There is no solution that can completely solve this issue because there are always going to be a few bad apples in the bunch. However, there are multiple paths of action OSU could take to improve the safety of their campus.
Improving Traffic Enforcement:
OSU should hire a safety enforcement team. The safety enforcement team would be a group of individuals whose job it is to monitor traffic on campus, uphold the bike policy, and site those who disobey the rules of the road. Having a safety enforcement team on campus would cost the school more money, of course, however, Dudley Moore makes a valid point when he says, “The best car safety device is a rear-view mirror with a cop in it,” (Moore, 2017). Therefore, if there is enforcement, people are more likely to obey the rules, which in turn makes the campus safer.
Improving Congestion:
OSU should assign routes for specific modes of transportation. This would greatly increase pedestrian safety. Putting bikes and pedestrians on the same route not only slows down the flow of traffic, but also creates the perfect opportunity for an accident to occur. Keeping bikes on the roads and pedestrians on the walkways is a rational, effective way to avoid congestion and minimize collisions.
Improving Public Safety:
Last, OSU should consider pedestrian safety when deciding the placement of bike racks. This would optimize the utilization of the racks and decrease the congestion outside university buildings. Of course, students could get off their bike and walk it to the racks that aren’t directly adjacent to the road. However, through experience, this is rarely the case. Strategically placing bike racks with this factor in mind would greatly benefit the campus.