One of the most basic parts of college life is getting to class on time. It's made harder by a "screw you" culture present on the roadways and sidewalks of MSU.

Common courtesy needs to be followed and all too often its thrown to the wayside to save some time getting around campus.

Cars don't always yield to pedestrians; drivers think they shouldn't have to slow down for someone walking or riding a bike. Bikers can be the same way to those walking on the sidewalk.

At the same time, walkers will run out into the middle of the street or in front of a bike. They're desperately trying to save time, but pedestrians are driving those around them insane while they're at it.

Partly to blame for all the hassle are overly confusing rules and policies, combined with contradictions when on the road or on walkways. Riding bikes isn't allowed on every sidewalk, but some are marked for bikes specifically. Most make no indication as to who is to use the walkway.

Bikes also are supposed to be used on the routes marked on some campus streets, but buses and cars ride in them, too. Riding bikes in general can be a headache as they are a pain to maneuver around pedestrians.

Sometimes it's faster to walk or grab a bus, especially in the middle of campus during the middle of the day. Riding a bike doesn't make much sense then, when you are forced to ride the brakes almost every step of the way. Drivers face the same difficulties.

Some people might be reckless, but most of the time, staying safe is a matter of common sense.

Bikers and drivers should be watching all four sides of their vehicle of choice, drivers need to remember to be courteous at all times and pedestrians need to obey the crosswalks.

Yield laws are in place to protect pedestrians, but should still be secondary to common courtesy and decency. In a similar fashion, it's an unwritten rule that drivers shouldn't expect to go too fast on campus.

Those fortunate enough to be able to drive are getting to class faster anyway, so to slow down for someone to cross the street shouldn't be too much of a hassle. Those walking spend more time getting to class as it is.

That doesn't mean it's OK for pedestrians to bolt out into the middle of the street with a car 50 feet away, either. They need to follow crosswalks and realize they don't always have the right of way.

The best solution to the stress found while getting to class might just be to follow the Golden Rule; treat others the way you want to be treated.

You wouldn't like someone to bolt out into the middle of the street while you're behind the wheel, so why do it when you're the one walking?

You can't have double standards; doing things as a walker that you hate being done to you as a driver, or vice versa. The same applies to those riding bikes; place yourself in the other person's shoes.

They aren't out to mess up your day; they just want to get to class, too.