March 27, 2015 by Joe Bell, Green Student Intern
A new future for bicyclists and pedestrians is being forged at the University of Mississippi. In the fall 2014, the university established the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee following the recommendation of the League of American Bicyclists as a result of the university’s Bicycle Friendly University application. Office of Sustainability Post Baccalaureate Fellow Sara Douglass spearheaded the application process and the formation of the committee, which will work to improve bicycle and pedestrian access at the university.
The committee is composed of faculty, staff, and one student, all of whom are knowledgeable about bicycle and pedestrian issues. Committee members will work to develop programs and coordinate education and outreach initiatives centered on transportation, health, and campus safety.
Beyond promoting collaboration between departments on the topics of biking and walking, the committee will exist to create and foster a culture of safe biking and walking at the university. The committee will support improvements in the realms of engineering, education, encouragement, enforcement, and evaluation and planning.
Madeleine Achgill, a student representative on the committee, hopes that the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee can encourage “more Ole Miss students to take advantage of the infrastructure and opportunities we have for biking.”
“I think Oxford is the perfect size for biking, especially now that the weather is nice,” said Achgill, a dedicated biker.
Moving forward, the committee will seek to maintain its Bicycle Friendly University status with the League of American Bicyclists. With more than 30 percent of campus under construction, the committee will be working diligently to provide a voice for all bicyclists and pedestrians on campus by reviewing campus policies and programs and advising departments to ensure infrastructure is considered in maintenance and construction.
For more information, visit bike.olemiss.edu.