Free Bikes for Students? Sign Me Up!

October 27, 2008 Posted in News

When I moved to college, the first thing I did after unpacking my shower caddy and twin extra long sheets was buy a parking spot. I had to have my car. Had to. It gets cold in Colorado, obviously, so walking all over campus in the winter was not an option. Plus, I got so used to having a car for errands, Costco runs, etc., that I just couldn’t bear to be without one.

I am sure most students feel the same way, especially since I can never find anywhere to park on campus these days. Ugh. Why do I even have a car if I can’t use it to drive to class?!

But I digress.

All of this campus street congestion that is no doubt a problem on college campuses nationwide has led many schools to start a revolution…with bikes.

The University of New England is one of a few schools (that will soon be many) that is offering free bikes to any student who leaves their car at home. Other schools are setting up bike share programs, which entice students to pedal around campus instead of hopping in the car. These schools are hoping that by giving students a real alternative, they will not feel the need to bring their car to campus.

And it looks like it’s all working – for more than just the parking sitch:

“We did it as a means of reducing the need for parking, but as we looked at it from the standpoint of fitness, health and sustainability, we realized we have the opportunity to create a change.”

The whole idea is really quite smart. By opting for a bike instead of a car you could help the environment, save money on parking (and parking tickets…), get healthy, and ~~free up some of those parking spots for the rest of us~~ reduce the number of cars clogging your campus streets. And all for free!

This looks like a total win/win.

1370310 Comments2008-10-27+20%3A41%3A11Noa+-+CU+Boulder on "Free Bikes for Students? Sign Me Up!"

Mary says:
Mon, 27th Oct 20084:12 pm

New revolution? Are you kidding?! Everyone here at Chico State has a bike, its like an unwritten law!!! People usually only have cars if they really need them, like to drive to work across town or something. And UC Davis has nothing but bikes, i swear, its crazy.

Cassie says:
Mon, 27th Oct 20087:39 pm

It's a good idea in theory, but not very many people bike to class here in Minnesota when it gets below 30 degrees. Which is about 6 months out of the year.

Jacks says:
Mon, 27th Oct 20089:41 pm

It’s cool to use a bike when you don’t need to use your car…but how do you bring your groceries home on a bike??

Finnish Engineer says:
Tue, 28th Oct 20089:21 am

Jacks: Backpack?

Jacks says:
Tue, 28th Oct 20086:01 pm

Where I went to school, if I biked and brought my groceries home in a backpack (and I rarely only buy the amount of groceries that can fit in one backpack)…it would have taken me a half hour at least to get back to my house. And I don't think my perishables would have done well in the summer months…theoretically, it is a good idea but it probably isn't one that can be practiced year-round everywhere.

Christine says:
Tue, 28th Oct 20088:21 pm

Yeah in ND, biking is done for the first couple of months of school. And then it gets like -60 degrees (and I'm not exaggerating. With the wind it is seriously that cold) and you are frozen within seconds of stepping outside. Oh and forget driving since you'll never find a parking spot that's even remotely close to your class. The bus system is the best bet since you get a bus at each stop every 15-20 minutes. Which usually works out pretty well.

Road Bikes says:
Wed, 1st Apr 20098:06 am

woow wow wait! did you just say free bikes for students? tell me how can i sign up with this process is it available for people living all over the world or just in this country? Things like these just make my day .. Keep it up Cheers

standishmi says:
Wed, 23rd Dec 200910:47 am

present era heat seeding

scadwiella says:
Wed, 23rd Dec 200911:28 am

comments intense issue announced

aldwinedon says:
Mon, 4th Jan 20101:07 pm

atmosphere era modeling inc 1979 instrumental confirmation chemical

Tell us what you're thinking...