There has been a troubling surge in scooter thefts on campus. With scooters becoming an increasingly popular mode of transportation among Fresno State students, the spike may require a reconsideration of the current campus policy that forbids scooters inside university buildings, at least in the short term.
The majority of our Editorial Board supports allowing scooters in classrooms as a practical response. One member disagrees.
Nine are against prohibiting scooters from classrooms
We’re not suggesting that people ride their scooters inside, but with security cameras reportedly under repair and thieves brazenly targeting scooters in broad daylight, students are left to gamble on whether their property will be stolen while they attend class. It’s clear scooters are no longer safe outside.
Even in the locked, gated areas designated for scooter storage, Fresno State students with IDs can still access them. Since it may be fellow students stealing the scooters in the first place, are they really safe there?
Students rely on scooters for mobility across Fresno State’s sprawling campus, especially during hot days when walking long distances between classes can be physically taxing. Scooters allow them to traverse large areas in a short amount of time, helping them avoid arriving late or sweating up a storm. The Collegian has reported that some classrooms get uncomfortably hot, which could make already sweaty students feel like they’re walking into a sauna—and with all that heat and humidity, can you imagine the smell?
When students arrive on time and ready to learn—without being drenched in sweat—it’s a plus for everyone involved.
Theft isn’t the only consideration. As we enter fall, inclement weather can also pose a problem for electric scooters. Moisture can seep into the wiring and battery compartments, leading to electrical malfunctions or short circuits, while prolonged exposure to rain can also cause rust and corrosion on metal parts. Fresno State scooter racks provide no cover for their protection.
There’s also simply not enough scooter racks to accommodate the number of students with them.
Until Fresno State provides more secure storage and restores surveillance, banning scooters from classrooms would only worsen an escalating issue. We hope these problems are adequately addressed soon, but until then, we encourage faculty to accommodate students by allowing scooters inside classrooms.
One supports prohibiting scooters from classrooms
Scooters take up too much space.
Classrooms are small and often are already crowded with students, desks and equipment, so adding a fleet of scooters to the mix will make navigating the mess an even more unbearable hassle. If too many scooters are gathered together in one place, it could create obstacles that could lead to accidents.
Our campus offers scooter racks and a gated, locked bike barn that can only be accessed with a student ID. Increased security patrols would make it harder for thieves with those student IDs to operate unnoticed and should be considered, but the solution isn’t to make professors accommodate even more clutter in limited classroom space.
When it rains, students can use covers made of waterproof material: these effectively protect scooters from rain while allowing water vapor to escape from underneath the cover. They also offer protection against damage and aging by minimizing the risk of scratches, fading, and dulling.
While scooters offer convenience for navigating campus, they also discourage physical exercise among students. Relying on scooters for short distances reduces the opportunity for walking, which feeds into a sedentary lifestyle. Encouraging walking instead promotes healthier habits on campus.
