On campus, there are many ways to get around: walking, biking, long/skateboarding, inline skating, busing, driving … etc. Each method has its ups and downs. The State News went on a journey to find which are the fastest, most enjoyable, most convenient and most efficient ways to go across campus, from Brody Complex to the Veterinary Medical Center, with comments from commuters along the way.
On foot
Although walking takes a longer than, say, biking — a leisurely stroll is an excellent way to let out stress.
“In my four years on campus, I’ve never had a car,” international relations senior Ethan Guy said. “It’s just an inconvenience. Driving on campus is a nightmare, parking is scarce, not to mention it’s bad for the environment.
“Biking is often too strenuous for me, so I normally walk — it’s very leisurely and still good for you.”
Walking allows opportunity to easily talk with someone along the way or listen to an iPod.
With a little haste in your step and a “shortcut,” the walking trip across campus can be made in a little under half an hour.
On two wheels
Biking turned out to be the fastest, aside from a car.
“I don’t really understand why people take the bus when it’s nice out,” journalism freshman Spencer Pappas said. “It takes almost just as long as riding a bike. And if it is a long distance, biking and walking can be a very good solution to child obesity.”
There often is ample, but not always convenient, parking. Speed also hampers safety when employed without caution and increases danger when teamed with headphones.
Bike registration is free and can be done online at police.msu.edu.
The trip, without mechanical breakdowns such as bent/flat tires, stuck chains or pedals falling off, can be made in about 15 minutes.
By bus
The Capital Area Transportation Authority, or CATA, runs a service through campus with seven routes during the fall and spring semesters.
Students receive discounted prices for fares — 60 cents for a one-way fare, $6 for 10 rides, $18 for a 31-day pass and $50 for a semester pass.
Taking the bus can be a savior on days when it’s chilly, rainy or the distance is just too far to walk.
“People who use cars and buses on this ‘green’ campus aren’t doing their best to improve the environment,” interdisciplinary humanities sophomore Jake Yaeger said.
Transfer buildings can further complicate things, but, If running on schedule, the bus trip can be made in about 15 minutes.
By car
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Most students do not have a car on campus — and if they do, they know it’s not the best way to get around.
There is the abundance of pedestrians, and parking can be scarce and expensive.
There are meters throughout campus, 16 visitor parking lots and numerous lots where students can park with a permit, ranging in price from $85-$256.
“Driving can be expensive,” Yaeger said. “Except for the initial bike cost, biking and walking is free — whereas the cost of cars and buses add up to a lot over time.”
When coupled with the walk from the Wharton Center parking ramp, the drive was about 10 minutes with the convenient parking.
