Common sense

The younger generation is getting less and less knowledgeable about common courtesy and etiquette. And, sadly, common sense all around. I experience various levels of this every day on campus. Here are just a few thoughts.

On the bus: move to the back if it's crowded. Don't just stand in the front because you don't feel like moving and you feel others should move around you. If you're getting off at the next stop, hang out by the door. If you have a lot of baggage, it doesn't mean you get to have 5 seats for yourself. If you have too much stuff to manage, drive your car or take a taxi that day. Also, say thank you to the driver; they're providing a service to you.

Walking: LOOK BOTH WAYS. When did this become optional? And, just because pedestrians have the right-of-way does not make it ok for you to simply step out into traffic without taking into account the truck barreling down the road at you and assuming it will just stop. Go ahead, stand up for your right-of-way, but if you get killed in the process, was it really worth it? Also, if you're jaywalking, GET YOUR HINEY ACROSS THAT ROAD. You're the one breaking the law, so move it! Also, don't stand at the very edge of a sidewalk at a crosswalk. It appears to drivers that you're going to step off into the street in front of traffic. Crosswalk signals are there for a reason- if it shows a red hand, there's probably a good reason. Check the opposing lights to make sure there aren't any green arrows for turn lanes. And, just because there's a gap in traffic does not mean that they're about to get a red light and it's ok to saunter your way across the street. If you go during a gap, run, or at the very least, powerwalk!

Biking: In Madison, it's very biker-friendly. However, YOU ARE NOT CONSIDERED A PEDESTRIAN. You're on a vehicle and are obligated to follow the rules of the road. This involves not cutting off cars when you change lanes, using your arm signals to indicate turns, stopping at red lights, allowing pedestrians to cross in front of you, etc. Do you think that red light on the one way street is for the traffic going THE OTHER WAY? I highly doubt it. So obey them before you get yelled at and/or hit. Also, wear a helmet.

Opening Doors: When you go into a building, look behind you to see if anyone else is coming and hold the door for them if they are. If not, no biggie. When you're following behind someone, there's nothing more annoying than having them squeeze through the door, allowing it to slam in your face. I take that back. What's more annoying is when you politely hold the door open for someone and they walk right through it, without acknowledging the favor you just did for them. I like to say, "You're welcome!" just to make them feel uncomfortable. It's pretty funny. Also, attempt to take over the door-holding responsibilities. Don't let the kind person stand there all day holding the door for you and the 15 other people going through. Most importantly, SAY THANK YOU.

We can't let politeness and common sense go to the wayside. Otherwise we'll all die in biking-walking-car accidents. And then where will we be?

-L