Mopeds Raise Concern on Campus

The use of mopeds on campus causes concern, mainly involving driving on sidewalks and taking up space near bike racks, for students and community members.

Cindy Nebel, the president of Old Main Neighborhood Association, said she has noticed more mopeds on the streets and sidewalks this year. She thinks it could possibly have to do with limited parking availability.

“I see a lot of them riding double, which you aren’t supposed to do,” Nebel said. “Traffic laws apply to them as well, but they are not always followed.”

Although mopeds are not allowed on campus sidewalks, this rule is often ignored.

“Students need to be held accountable for their actions,” Nebel said. “If they think rules do not apply to them, that is not very good preparation for adulthood.”

Protective Services Police Chief Bill Rowe said the main problem lies in the fact that mopeds are allowed to park near bike racks.

Because of this, drivers tend to use the sidewalk instead of the street out of convenience.

“I don’t think moped usage has increased because of parking,” Rowe said. “Students who use mopeds will always use mopeds regardless.”

Junior elementary education major Amanda Biffert thought parking might drive more students to use mopeds.

“It is sometimes difficult to find a spot, so I can see why you would opt for that,” Biffert said.

Sophomore psychology major Glorian Konieczny does not think mopeds should be allowed on sidewalks, especially during busy daytime hours.

“Sidewalks are a little scary,” Konieczny said. “They come speeding up behind you and you basically have to jump out of the way. I can see their appeal, though. Parking in Lot Q and walking back to Hansen is rough.”

MyKayla Hilgart
News editor
mhilg143@uwsp.edu