Biking
Biking
Programs
Rentals and Free Campus Bikes
Many campuses provide bikes for students to run errands, travel between classes, or just go for a weekend ride. These bikes are often painted a bright color to make them easily identifiable. They may be donated from the community and available anywhere with no rental deposit. Other programs allow bikes to be checked out of a rental facility and returned after a prescribed time for a small fee.
Commuting
With on-campus resources (see below) available for commuters, bike commuting is a viable alternative to driving. A good way to start is holding a Bike to Work Day.
Things to Consider
Biking Resources
There are a few support features that tell the community the school is committed to alternative transportation: secure bike storage (well-lit racks); maintenance help (a bike workshop with tools and professional help); and end-of-trip facilities (showers, lockers, etc.).
Incentives
Some schools offer non-monetary incentives for a commitment to commute by bike, such as free helmets, bike lights, or locks with a commute pledge.
Safety
Well-lit, well-marked, and secure bike routes and lanes are crucial to establishing biking as alternative transportation for commuting, errands, and recreation. The main safety concerns to bikers are secure storage and routes that avoid car traffic.
| Case Study: Ripon College |
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Ripon College, a small liberal arts school in rural Wisconsin, has taken the notion of free bike rentals one step further. Instead of renting bikes to students, incoming Freshman will receive a brand new bike just for leaving their cars at home in their parent's driveway. Read more. |
