Many students have developed the habit of not paying attention to anything when they walk to class.

Because of this, they occasionally get side swiped by bicycle riders they did not see riding toward them.

Unfortunately for walkers, there is a new mode of transportation to contend with.

This fall, several Iowa State students have started driving mopeds to class.

Though they seem more like a bicycle than a motorcycle, mopeds carry with them a much stricter set of riding guidelines than bicycles.

Doug Houghton, program coordinator in the parking division of the Department of Public Safety, said mopeds require a permit, which costs $16 per year, and they must be registered with the university.

“We treat mopeds exactly like motorcycles,” Houghton said.

For instance, he said mopeds must be parked in motorcycle stalls or parking spaces designated for them.

These include the parking paces at the ends of rows not suitable for cars.

“Parking in bike racks is illegal and will be ticketed,” Houghton said.

He said motorcycles and mopeds receive a great deal of flexibility from the parking division, so the few rules should be followed.

The moped regulations were all news to Zak Kimble, a sophomore in hotel, restaurant and institution management, who frequently drives his moped on campus.

“I always park in bike racks because they’re closer to my classes,” Kimble said. He said he has not been ticketed yet and sees no reason to stop.

However, after being informed of the rules, Kimble said his habits will change somewhat.

“I will probably still drive my moped, but I will be more selective in where I park,” he said.

Kimble said the growing trend of riding mopeds is new to him.

“This is the first year I’ve had a moped. I mainly got it to drive to the Jacobson Center, but it is very handy for class,” Kimble said.

Kimble said the reactions of others he passes while riding his moped have been amusing.

“I get more laughs than anything else,” he said.