PTS committee to promote bicycling and pedestrian coexistence on UA campus

A UA advisory committee will launch in late February to improve the bicycle and pedestrian conditions for students, faculty, staff and visitors.

Last year, Parking and Transportation Services went through a large study process regarding UA campus bicycle and pedestrian needs, according to Bill Davidson, PTS marketing manager.

“One of the main things that came out of that study was a pedestrian and bicycling advisory, so we created one,” Davidson said. “[The study] was done to make the campus and surrounding neighborhoods a safe environment.”

The UA Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee was created and finalized in August 2012 and will begin regular meetings at the end of February. Glenn Grafton, alternative transportation manager, said he wants to ensure that the committee contains a variety of members, including faculty, staff, students and members of the community to help address everyone’s needs.

“We need to get people to recognize that they have to co-exist with each other,” Grafton said. “Everyone being able to function together is the biggest issue. Everyone needs to understand what the other person is doing.”

PTS is requesting nominations for individuals who are concerned about bicycling and pedestrian issues and would represent the interests of the university in the committee. Self-nominations are also accepted.

“In general the meetings will be focusing on how pedestrian and cyclists interact with one another — just ways to improve transportation in and around campus,” Grafton said.

Students have said they are hoping that the advisory committee takes steps to make sure that pedestrians and cyclists can co-exist on campus.

“I hope the bikers’ awareness for their surroundings improve,” said Nicole Mandala, a communications sophomore.

UA BPAC said it hopes to keep up with changes within the university and improve accessibility and mobility for pedestrians and bicyclers.

“Anything that involves cycling in general is a positive thing,” said Tim Black, sales manager at Broadway Bicycles. “I think Tucson needs it.”