Maybe you can have too much of a good thing.

CU is know for having a plethora of alternative transportation options, and for having a student body that gets to school under its own power instead of being reliant on cars.

That's a good thing, a really good thing, but it comes with its own set of problems.

Because there are so many walkers, bikers and skateboarders on campus, there is a battle for sidewalk space. Sometimes, it gets heated, and sometimes people get hurt.

Director of campus parking and transportation services, Casey Jones, says that safety is a big priority, and that the department is looking at ways to manage and organize pedestrian and wheeled traffic flow.

It's a bit more complicated than it seems.

One snag is the volume of people on bikes and boards. It's steadily increasing, which is something the school and the transportation program have been trying to encourage with increased resources and parking for bikes. It means that now there are more than just a couple of people on bikes weaving through foot traffic to get to class.

Another issue is space. In some areas of campus, like outside the recreation center, there are designated bike and pedestrian lanes, but they're not everywhere, and even where there are delineated people don't necessarily follow them. Other areas are a free-for-all with every kind of mover fighting for a space.

Accidents have become common, and they're not necessarily any single group's fault. Speedy skaters or unaware walkers are equally liable to put themselves in harms way.

Part of the problem is that there are no distinct rules. Common courtesy and a vague understanding that walking on the right side is the norm are really the only guidelines.

The Environmental Center's transportation team set up a guerilla campaign to raise awareness about the issue in a thought provoking way.

They set up a display of what they call DIRCs -- Dangerous, Irresponsible, Reckless and Careless bikers. The display, which consisted of mannequins in biker-versus-pedestrian crime scenes, was meant to make people think about how they get around.

It's not meant to discourage people from biking or skating around campus. It's meant to make them conscious of the people around them.

Pedestrians are responsible as well. Walking five deep across the sidewalk, or listening to music and texting while you walk can make you a hazard.

Plans are in the works on campus to make things safer for everyone. But for now, whatever speed you're traveling, and whatever your method, take it easy and be aware. If you're biking, go slow and be careful. If you're walking, be courteous and conscious.

And don't be a DIRC.

Heather Hansman is communication coordinator for the CU Environmental Center.