Unfortunately, I have often seen other Badgers taking the railroad tracks that run through campus as a shortcut to class or even as a route for a leisurely stroll. Growing up in a rural community, I was consistently made aware of the perils of railroad tracks with or without a train present. It is important to remember that the railroad tracks are private property, and it is a courtesy that Wisconsin & Southern Railroad – the train line that runs through campus – does not administer trespassing tickets. Even more importantly, due to our university’s wonderful departments and facilities, we have the privilege of hosting many grade schoolers as they come to campus for a variety of field trips. Even if there is not a train present, those that are younger and less wise may see our actions and literally follow in our footsteps, therefore promulgating the same bad habit.
As UW students, we should care about our own safety as well as the safety of those around us. If we don’t care about our own well-being, we should at least care about the well-being of others who may see our actions and emulate them, assuming that those actions are safe when they really could be life-threatening.
Let’s do our best to keep current and future Badgers safe.
Mitch Ziesemer (mkziesemer
