It’s noon in Madison, and the last morning lecture has just been dismissed. The streets flood with students. Some are in a rush, with only 15 minutes to get from one end of campus to the other. Others take their time, walking to lunch, the library, work or maybe back home for a midday nap.
Whatever the reason, everyone walks like they have somewhere to be. But anyone unlucky enough to be behind the wheel of a car is stuck in standstill traffic.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my four years here, it’s this: Madison is a pedestrian’s world, and everyone else is driving in it. Here, crosswalks are nothing more than a loose suggestion. Flashing orange hands warning of oncoming traffic are ignored, and drivers hoping for a gap in a constant stream of students are invisible.
This probably sounds like small potatoes. But, in the words of my mentor and former Daily Cardinal Opinion Editor Lauren Stoneman — “what is the point of becoming an opinion editor if I can’t occasionally use the platform to air a small grievance?”
I know what you’re thinking — why should I care?
How we treat each other on campus is a reflection of who we are. Your walk to class might feel like the time to turn on some music and get lost in your world, but we need to do a better job of looking out for each other. Badgers, we can do better, and we can start by sharing the road.
You’ll be doing yourself a favor.
In 2022, more than 7,500 pedestrians were killed in traffic accidents, the majority of which took place outside of intersections on high-capacity urban roads. While in many cases driver's share responsibility for causing injury, staying alert while walking is important to keep yourself safe.
But, I get it, you probably passed drivers ed, you know this. Besides, we’re on a college campus, you have somewhere to be.
When you’re running late to class, it can be tempting to make a crosswalk anywhere without a car or even ignore stopped cars altogether — especially when everyone else seems to be doing the same.
We’ve all seen it happen — you’re getting ready to cross the street from Library Mall to Memorial Union as students walk in a steady stream of traffic, and cars are backed up waiting for a gap that never comes. Looking around, it’s almost as if the drivers have become invisible.
They stay that way until someone with somewhere to be stops, gives a smile and waves the driver through. It’s a small act of kindness, but it’s one we should take up more often. It might not win you the Nobel Peace Prize or get you to class any faster, but it’s just the right thing to do. Remember, how we treat each other on campus matters. You might not change someone’s life by sharing the road, but you might make someone’s day.
Stay alert on your walk to class — even when you’re in a rush — take a breath and remember, everyone has somewhere to be.
Blake Martin is the opinions editor for The Daily Cardinal.
