In my opinion editorial I will be arguing the existence of a problem. That problem is the un-manageably icy walkways on BYU campus. Yes, byu has snow plows, but they seem to only make things icier in the short term. I understand that they help the snow and ice disappear quicker, but in the short term it doesn't seem to help one bit. I will also answer the question "What is good?" by arguing that heated sidewalks similar to those at the University of Idaho in certain key locations is key to the safety of students. BYU students have enough to worry about with the rigorous curriculum. They should not have to worry about their physical safety as well.
Friday, January 17, 2014
Icy BYU
Almost exactly a year ago a video went viral from BYU. It showed byu students basically sliding on their butts to class because they could not walk. People were seen falling down and taking other people out. I personally thought it was really funny. Well, about a month ago, right around christmas time, there was a decent sized ice storm. I had to get to work, and since my motorcycle and regular bicycle seemed too dangerous to ride in the inclement weather, I decided to walk. I got to work just fine, but when I was on my way out, I slipped and fell. Let me tell you, when you're 6'7", falling on ice really hurts! My back hurt for about 2 weeks after that. Suddenly that video of people falling all over wasn't quite as funny. Once again, about a week ago I found myself walking around campus while it was snowing heavily. It was super icy everywhere. My feet were slipping everywhere, but I managed to keep my balance. That's when I noticed that on a particular slope, not a single person could stay standing. In the entire time that I was skiing by I saw about 20 people wipe out, and some of them hit it hard! This is a problem!
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I love this! I have been a victim multiple times of the ice on campus. Its dangerous stuff!
ReplyDeleteIt depends on where you're at on campus. I worked custodial last semester, and the sidewalks by the Brewster always get shoveled and de-iced. The problem is that the majority of the sidewalks aren't the responsibilities of smaller custodial departments around campus, but of the actual BYU grounds crew, which doesn't have enough manpower to keep up with the snow.
ReplyDelete@ William: That is another reason why heated sidewalks are such an important addition to specific key parts of campus!
ReplyDeleteI was studying abroad in Spain when we watched that video of everyone back here sliding to campus. I was so grateful to be there in the 50 degree weather. I think this is a very valid point that you are making and it will make for a great OpEd. I know they may be harder to remove but blankets of ice that stick around for days are very dangerous.
ReplyDeleteKey places on campus should include the hill by Helaman Halls. Walking down that on thick sheets of ice is down-right scary, and for those who have to walk their bikes it is nearly impossible. Great topic!
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