Paladin

Issue date: 2/26/10 Section: News

Media Credit: Chase Ollis Two students ride a moped across campus. Moped prevalence has increased drastically at Furman over the last few years.

As students bike or walk around Furman, they aren't likely too concerned about the possibility of imminent collisions. That doesn't mean the chance isn't there, however.

In February 2008 Katie Brasher was rear-ended by an SUV at McAlister Circle while on her bicycle, and was dragged down the street under the car, which then backed up onto her, resulting in two broken feet for Brasher.

"My biggest issue with the whole fiasco was that FUPO didn't take a statement from [the driver]," said Brasher. "Accidents like this happen all the time on campus. If this is such a green campus, why are they not protecting their pedestrians?"

The combination of cars, mopeds, bicycles and pedestrians has been a cause for concern by members of the Furman community.

Much of the discussion revolves around mopeds, whose presence has drastically increased over the past few years, creating concern, complaints and a variety of rumors and misconceptions around their usage, as well as a dedicated effort by Furman staff to integrate the new mode of transportation into campus life.

Legally, mopeds are not considered vehicles, and therefore are not required to have a state tag nor a special license. They must be registered - but for a second form of transportation, which the moped is for almost every student, the fee is only $6.

The distinctions between mopeds and motorcycles concern transmission speed (mopeds have a one-speed transmission in contrast to the gears of a motorcycle) and braking power.

Under state law, drivers licenses are not required to operate a moped. However, Bob Miller, the head of Public Safety said that FUPO will not let an unlicensed student operate one on campus. "What we're looking for is maturity and responsibility," he said.

Enhancing the moped presence on campus for operators and pedestrians alike was a project undertaken by FUPO this past semester. Over the summer, elongated spaces and mulched areas for motorcycle and moped parking were added in front of the PAC and in other areas around campus. At a student's request, a spot was marked off in the Chiles base parking lot.

Continued...

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