"Turn on Red" for the Daily News: Walkers, cyclists share sidewalks

Whether it's by walking, getting dropped off by a far too nice roommate or riding a bicycle, we all have to get to class somehow. I'm in the category of those who choose to brave sidewalks on a bike. Pedestrians, delivery trucks, pets and puddles always make for an exciting journey.

Generally, when available, I use the sidewalk. I've been yelled at by angry car drivers telling me to get off the road, and I've been yelled at by angry pedestrians telling me to get off the sidewalk. I choose to ignore the latter based solely on the fact that a two-ton car could do more damage to my bike, and more importantly me, than any Joe Blow walking down the sidewalk ever could. That doesn't mean a walker can't cause harm. I have been involved in a man vs. bike collision. Two bruised knees, one scraped wrist and $130 in bike repairs later is nothing to scoff about. That doesn't even figure in the pain inflicted on the petite young lady whose left leg unexpectedly became acquainted with my front wheel.

Being a walker, you may not realize what it is that bikers have to go through to travel along the same path. You can't see us coming from behind. You can't anticipate being in the way. That is why I have devised a standard set of rules for you to go by when walking to and from class to save us bikers some trouble and save yourselves from bodily harm.

Rule number one: When walking alone, pick a side. Walking down the middle of the sidewalk will only force me to make the decision of whether it be better to hit your right or your left elbow with my handlebars. In case you're curious, I usually choose the left.

Rule number two: When walking shoulder to shoulder groups of three or more, I don't want to have to play red rover with you, so split up into pairs and refer to rule number one.

Rule number three: Keep your head up. Not only do you look depressed and uninterested when moping down the street, but you also have a much better chance of getting hit head on.

Amendment to rule number three: When walking down the street with your head down AND listening to head phones, consider this your warning that I will actually aim for you. That's basically like driving down the street blindfolded. You're liable to get hit from either the front or the back.

Rule number four: Should you see a biker coming directly at you, it's generally a good idea to slow down but maintain your course. Changing direction at the last second will throw off the biker's planned route and could lead to you being creamed. You should know that when we ride, we have to watch at least ten yards ahead to scope out our path. I can assure you that the biker sees you way before you even realize they are coming.

And last but not least, rule number five: Remember what your mom used to tell you, and look both ways before crossing the street. In fact, do it twice if you have the time. I understand that you may be in a hurry to catch that shuttle bus on the other side of McKinley Avenue, but that's no excuse for blindly darting out into traffic.

Following these five rules will not only increase your chances of not feeling what 25 pounds of rubber and metal feels like slamming into you, but it will earn you the respect of cyclists everywhere.