We have accepted parking as an issue that cannot really be alleviated. There are too many cars for too few spots, and we know that more parking passes are sold than spots available.
We have accepted the clogged exiting and entering of the parking lot and streets, and we know that the decision to make your own spot is answered with a fresh parking ticket. That’s just how it is.
But, I have a solution.
Yes, a solution to fix parking. We have the resources, it will cost nothing, and it’s an easy and sensible solution to a problem that has created a constant nightmare for the University.
Not to mention, this solution will also help global warming, early-onset obesity and has the ability to save drivers a lot of money.
How about, instead of reaching for your keys before class in the morning, you grab your tennis shoes?
With the exception of places like the Retreat, Woodlands and apartment complexes that are far removed from campus, the majority of off-campus housing is in a one and a half mile diameter from campus (from Denny Chimes to be specific). Driving one mile from your driveway to another parking spot is a little much. What if instead, you walked?
Walking would free the clogged surrounding streets, most of which are too small for a Tahoe to pass through anyways. The bumper to bumper traffic that fills University Boulevard 10 minutes before and after classes get out would be relieved, making it possible for the road to actually be useful to the rest of Tuscaloosa throughout the day.
The parking lots would not be a total time sucker if only people who really needed to drive to campus used it. Instead of sitting in your car, trying to make polite parking gestures and avoiding terrible drivers for 15 minutes, you could get on your bike and be home in that amount of time.
Now I know that there are rainy days, sick days and mornings when you wake up late that make an exception to the usefulness of this idea, but for the most part, walking or biking to class is very reasonable.
It probably takes you more time to sit through traffic, wait for the people who ignore the “Do not walk” signs to cross the street, find a parking spot, get to that parking spot, park and walk to class from the parking lot that it would to just leave your front door and walk to class.
The added bonuses of walking out-number most pro- driving arguments. Walking to and from class is a great addition to anyone’s routine. It’s an easy way to stay in shape and get low impact exercise, and being outside is a refreshing break from clogged classrooms and old student housing. Besides, driving such a short distance is kind of lazy.
Think about the exhaust and carbon you aren’t putting in the air. Also, think about the money you aren’t spending on gas for your car. Even taking one fill up out of your monthly budget gives you some extra cash that can be spent in a much more fun way. Walking would lower the amount of cars in circulation, making the amount of exhaust in the Tuscaloosa air lower, which is definitely a good thing.
Sure, you may have to re-time your pre-class routine, but once you create your route through back streets and parking lots, you’ll find that walking is a simpler way to start your day.
If students started walking, it would leave the parking lots empty for those who really do need to park there. After having a 15-minute drive onto campus, the last thing one of those drivers wants is spending another 15 minutes looking for a parking spot. So, if you have the opportunity to walk to class, do everyone (and yourself) a favor, and walk.
Just consider it. And maybe, instead of grabbing your keys and rushing out the door, you can stretch your legs and breath the fresh air; air that’s fresh because there is one less car poisoning it.
SoRelle Wycoff is a junior majoring in history and English. Her column runs on Mondays.
