Lawrence, Kan.-- Sure there is SafeRide and the new SafeBus, but when living close to Mass. Street, how safe is it to walk home after a night at the bars. These services are offered towards the "Student Ghetto," but if the wait is ridiculous, why not walk?
The "Ghetto" is just a couple blocks over and a few streets down from Mass. Street. The "Ghetto" is where a lot of older homes in Lawrence are rented out to college students. This is certainly in walking distance of Mass. Street and walking home may be a safer choice than driving. Or is it?
Sophomore AJ Larson was wandering home last year after a night of drinking whe a group of guys jumped him. "I went outside because it was too hot and started walking down the street, this is when I was pushed down and after that I can't remember what happened."
Former bouncer at It's Brothers, Brian Lebaron said, "All the security guards at the bars stand outside at closing." This ensures that every one makes a safe exit from the bars, but what about the bouncers themselves? "I would walk home around 3:30AM and I felt safe, my house was only a block away and te only cars on the road were cop cars. Even after my roommate got jumped, I was not afraid, because I'm not the type of person people usually go after."
To be truly safe, walk with friends or wait for a ride, unless you want to risk what may be around the next corner.