Around 10 p.m. on a clear day in April last year, a large sedan hit a student biker at an intersection near the University Medical Center. The student said he was traveling down a hill when "a car with seemingly drunken frat kids" turned right in front of Plan 9 to go to the hospital. The student said he couldn't stop in time, and the car ran over the front wheel of his bike.
The student, who wished to remain anonymous due to an ongoing insurance claim, was hit again on April 22 of the same year on the corner of Main Street and 4th Street by Awful Arthur's Restaurant and Bar.
"A garbage truck turned right on 4th Street, and I again couldn't stop in time," he said.
These two accidents involving motor vehicles colliding with pedestrians or bike riders at the University over the past year underscores a rising concern for the safety of all pedestrians and bikers. Theresa and Tre Harris, coordinators of the Triathlon Club e-mail list, have been tracking such accidents for the past several months. As a result of Theresa's work, along with further reporter investigation, a dozen plus incidents have been reported over the past year, five of them occurring within a span of a little over a month.
Some hit commuters said officials have claimed them to be responsible.
"I was taken to the emergency room when a police officer charged me with 'reckless driving,'" said a competitive student race-biker who was hit by a car last year. "These were of course dropped, as my lawyer simply showed the judge the Charlottesville statute which showed me to be in accordance with the law. Of course, I had to pay the lawyer $500, on top of medical fees."
A separate instance involving a cyclist who crashed into a pick-up truck in November also said he was held responsible for the accident.
The truck "was trying to pass me on a double yellow line in a blind curve and ended up merging back on top of me," he said. "As such, my health insurance and my co-payments are having to cover all of the injuries, and I am going to have to take care of my bicycle as well."
University Police Sgt. Melissa Fielding said the University Police is collaborating with the City of Charlottesville to address pedestrian-related safety issues. Fielding said she sees "where all systems fail when individual's responsibility is lacking."
The University Police Web site does not have any safety precaution tips for pedestrians nor does it provide any statistics on automobile accidents.
The University Safety and Security Committee is a group of students, faculty and staff members which addresses concerns relating to pedestrian safety around the University and specifically at crosswalks on Grounds. The committee is responsible for the improved neon green crosswalks across Emmet St. as well as the signs related to crosswalk safety along this stretch, Committee Chair Mark Fletcher said. In addition, the Committee is working on various lighting projects that will improve visibility along the streets for both pedestrians and those operating vehicles, Fletcher said. The Committee recently completed its Spring Night Tour to address many aspects of safety on Grounds.
University Police officials said pedestrian safety is a multi-faceted issue and noted that individuals must also claim responsibility for their own safety.
A third-year commuter who was hit last year by a driver who missed a stop sign agreed with police.
"The pedestrian is assuming a certain amount of responsibility for their well being," he said. "I've seen a lot of people just walk out into the middle of the road and don't stop because they know that's how it's suppose to work. I think a main part of the problem is that at night it's hard to see people."
Members of the University community, the University Police, pedestrians and drivers agreed that communication between pedestrians, drivers and institutions is essential.
Resources are available for concerned commuters, such as the Police Department, the University Safety and Security Committee and Student Legal Services located in Newcomb Hall.
Read More
Queer Student Union showcases strength and spreads love
By Rosie Strickland | YesterdayThis summer, QSU members say that the organization’s efforts to support the University’s Queer community extend far beyond the 30 days of June.
‘Don’t get too comfortable’: Words of wisdom for the incoming class
By Kate Johnson | 4 days agoThese fourth-year students offer their reflections on their first year at the University.
Navigating the University from near and far
By Amanda Chung , Mai Hukuoka and Dana Douglas | 6 days agoAs the 2025-26 school year inches closer, three Life writers came together to discuss their different perspectives as in-state and out-of-state students.
