Have a nice trip, and I'll see you next fall
by Kirsten Scheid, Managing Editor
I love Swenson. It is absolutely beautiful. But there is a problem. The walkway coming out of Swenson heading for the Yellowjacket Union is narrow, and hedged in by walls on both sides, and there are bike racks staggered on either side of this walkway. Students pour out of this exit after class and fully half the walkway will be blocked when there are bikes parked here. But it's even worse when there are no bikes. The racks are inconspicuous, and if you aren't paying attention, you will trip. I staged one shot for fun, but while I was taking pictures I did see a woman nearly fall.
There's some question about the usability of the racks, too. You have to lock your bike close to the ground by your front tire. There's a wall right there, and the spaces are fairly close together. It will be an issue to get your bike unlocked if anybody parks his or her bike next to yours.
The walkway at the opposite entrance is much wider, but the racks are still inconspicuous and close to the ground. So watch out when you're leaving Swenson!
There's some question about the usability of the racks, too. You have to lock your bike close to the ground by your front tire. There's a wall right there, and the spaces are fairly close together. It will be an issue to get your bike unlocked if anybody parks his or her bike next to yours.
The walkway at the opposite entrance is much wider, but the racks are still inconspicuous and close to the ground. So watch out when you're leaving Swenson!



