I Get Around

            People come from near and far to stroll around the campus at the University of Oklahoma and take in how beautiful it is. But students have seen this, and their priority is to get to class on time. For some students, walking just does not cut it, and they have found some ways to minimize travel time across campus.

            It only takes being on any college campus to realize what college kids have come up with. Students will use anything that has wheels to get form class to class. A lot of the time, they use the same toys they played with when they were kids. Scooters, rollerblades or skateboards. But bikes and longboards seem to be recent favorites.

Bikes have been on college campuses for a long time, and continue to be one of the most popular choices of students.

At OU, bike racks are full from end to end at any time of day.

OU student, Taylor Rowley stopped her pedaling for a moment to tell me why she decided on a bike.

“I chose biking over walking or longboarding because I have always loved biking. I have a bike, so it was pretty convenient to bring it to school with me… biking is by far the quickest way to class, and when my classes are across campus with 15-minute breaks, having my bike really helps rather than my legs.”

As convenient as it is, there are people who have an unfriendly view of bikers on campus.

            Rowley says, “I can see why they complain because most people are stupid when they bike. I try to do my best and watch out for people and other bikers, but some people are on their phones when they ride. How do they manage?”

            Biker at Oklahoma State University, Emma Krottinger, says at their school, it is not the people on campus, but actually using your bike that is they issue. “We have to pay to park it at the school on the bike racks and there's not always room.”

In recent years, another mode of transportation has made its way from the west coast to college campuses in the Midwest. It looks a lot like a skateboard, but it isn’t; it’s a longboard.

According to Carolina Longboarding, longboards are often, as the name says, longer than skateboards. Another distinguishing factor is their use. They say the main purposes of longboards are “cruising, downhill racing, and traveling.” Sounds like the perfect instrument for getting from class to class in good time.

Nick powers, a student at OU, has only been longboarding since he came to school at here in Norman, and is already hooked. “I think everyone should long board its an experience everyone should try its fun and effective and everyone looks cool doing it…after one lesson you would cruise along with no cares in the world and you would be hooked. I have been since I started.”

Powers shows off his newfound longboarding skills.

Unlike bikes, Powers says longboards “do not perform well in grass or rough or uneven areas.” Good thing OU provides sidewalks between buildings to make it easier on the average longbaorder. Powers agrees that those using their feet to get around are not exactly fond of his crowd. “I think a lot of students think we are inconsiderate weaving in and out walkers and bikers and the truth is that its fun.”

For these students, it is about, not only finding a way to get to class faster, but also doing it in a way that they feel most like themselves. Whether it’s biking or longboarding or something else that has between two and four wheels, all of these students enjoy the free feeling that it gives them to use their preferred mode of transportation.