Walking around Hillsborough Street Friday night, you would have noticed throngs of students hiking for the biannual end-of-semester tradition. With each Hike, there are noticeable differences from previous ones. For example, during Friday night’s Hike, the Campus Police mobile command center was out in force, new establishments were open — such as Amore’s — and there were nonalcoholic businesses open to accommodate underage students.

If you were hiking, you probably noticed there weren’t as many hikers this semester compared to last year’s fall Hike. Nonetheless, those who made their way down Hillsborough Street more than likely had a wonderful Hike, full of memories.

With the end of this Hike, plans for the spring must begin. Planning now for the spring will only make that Hike better, giving participants the ultimate experience.

The closing of Hillsborough Street must be the top priority for University and city officials. Closing down the street for the spring Hike would be beneficial for not only hikers, but police officers. The safety of hikers would greatly improve, as they would be free to move about the area and not have to worry about getting hit crossing the street. This would create a friendlier atmosphere for hikers whether they chose to drink or not. Closing the street would also give police better supervision over the safety of hikers.

This year during the Hike, there seemed to be more of a sense of community. Walking around Hillsborough, you could see the bonding of those who were participating in the Hike. Seniors, juniors, alumni and students from other schools that came out were all focused on having a good time, which is what the Hike is all about.

Every semester, the Hike produces different memories, reactions and improvements. And the key to producing these positive memories and reactions is to focus on continued improvements of the Hike. With all the attention the Hike is getting from people here at N.C. State and other schools, closing the street for the spring is one improvement that has the power to propel the Hike to another level.

Planning is the key for a fun Hike, and now is the time for that planning to begin.