What is the best vehicle of transportation on campus?

Photo Courtesy of Vanstrat- Wikimedia Commons

I’m sure we all see those people on campus who choose not to walk to class but instead use some sort of “vehicle”; this is being used as a broad term here. I would consider these campus “vehicles” to include: cars, buses, bikes, scooters, skateboards, and unicycles. For all intents and purposes, the categories of bikes and scooters include electric modes of transportation as well as manual. So, when we’re walking up those treacherous hills to get to class, we ask ourselves…what is the best way to get to class if not by walking?

To start, we have cars. They are arguably the most convenient considering these can be used on and off campus. Whether you’re running to Wegmans or parking close to your class, cars can be used at your disposal based on your schedule. With that said, there are some downsides to having a car on campus. Buying a parking pass can be pricey, you need to purchase your own gas, and in the winter, having to clean your car off can be a pain. So, while it’s convenient for you, cars can also be a hassle depending on how you look at it.

Then we have buses. Since they run everyday from early in the morning to late at night, it’s a convenient source of transportation.The buses do come free with the use of your student ID, you don’t have to worry about paying for gas, and you can get virtually anywhere both on and off campus. Buses don’t seem like such a bad option for those without a car. However, some people highly dislike public transportation and that’s completely understandable.

Now, when you’re on the sidewalk and see a bike or scooter, there’s a high likelihood that you’re jealous of them. Whether they’re electric or not, bikes and scooters are a fantastic option! There are plenty of spaces around campus to leave your mode of transport when you have class, there are ways to avoid stairs so there’s nothing to worry about in that aspect, and you are able to get around faster. If the “vehicle” is not electric, it can be a lot of work to get up those hills or maneuver around people, but I believe it’s much easier than sprinting up the hill when you’re running late.

Then there’s skateboards. I believe these to be more of a leisure activity rather than a quick way to get around campus. Those people skateboarding look cool, but I know they’re not on their way to class when I see the cool tricks they’re performing. This is not to say they can’t be used as a way to get to class; though, getting up the hills would be a difficult feat on a skateboard versus a bike or scooter.

The last form of transportation is a unicycle. This is an amazing option. If you have the ability to balance and make your way around without falling off, I give you props! It’s definitely a conversation starter and an easy way to make friends. Unfortunately, this is not practical for everyone as we don’t all know how to ride a unicycle. It is definitely something worth trying one day, but I don’t think all of us can be as cool as unicycle guy!

So, whether you’re choosing your own ride, public transportation, or a singular wheel, there are many ways to get around campus. The best vehicle to get around, I believe, is by bike. You can get to classes faster, and even though the hills are tough, you can still get up them. Though, my saying this doesn’t discount any of the other options because if I could ride a unicycle around campus, I would!