City Policy May Limit Student Bicycle Riding In Area of University

Unless there is a "drastic change" in the bicycle riding habits of Harvard and Radcliffe students, legislation may be enacted to outlaw riding in the University area between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., the police department has warned.

Sgt. John E. McCarthy, Safety Officer, said, "we understand about the shortest distance between two points and all that, but we are concerned about the students' complete disregard for city and state regulations." Failure to signal and observe one-way restrictions have created the most serious problems in the past.

The number of reported bicycle accidents in Cambridge this year has decreased--because the elementary school children have reduced their total. Harvard and Radcliffe students, however, are likely to top their last year's high of 29 reported accidents.

"When you watch the girls coming down Garden St. at 9 a.m. you realize what a miracle it is that we have not had more student accident," Joan C. King, assistant Dean of Residence and of Student Affairs, observed. The Administration and SGA are planning to conduct an "all-out safety campaign." Although no definite plans have been made, a reported accident might be recorded on a girl's record as a "pro."

McCarthy added that the police have not "captured even half of Radcliffe" for registration. The city's bicycle registration office had no figures available, but agreed that "not many" of the estimated 300 riders had registered.