Recently, in the pages of The Minnesota Daily, there have been articles, columns, editorials and letters to the editor on the subject of bicycles. IâÄôd like to offer the perspective of a pedestrian.
 IâÄôm a pedestrian of extensive experience, having been walking for more than forty years. Years ago, I was a constant cyclist on my own college campus, so I know a little of their concerns. As a pedestrian, I emphatically reject the notion that I must accommodate the needs of cyclists on campus sidewalks.
Sidewalks donâÄôt belong to the cyclists. If IâÄôm not mistaken, riding bicycles on sidewalks is actually prohibited.
I donâÄôt mind sharing sidewalks with reasonable cyclists. But IâÄôm tired of being a human pylon.
Now, to strike a more constructive tone, IâÄôd like to suggest that the sidewalks are wide and we can all share them âÄî pedestrians and cyclists alike.
 I know it sounds like a fantasy, but only because two critical components are missing from the minds of so many cyclists: Common sense and common courtesy.
This is the deal, cyclists: If youâÄôre in a hurry to get somewhere, get off the sidewalk and use the roads. If you want the luxury of sharing the sidewalk with me and my fellow pedestrians, then ride slowly.