From College Finder:
This is a great idea for several reasons, reducing congestion and pollution on campus, increasing safety, and helping students save some money and maybe even keep off the “freshman 20″ or whatever they call it. But why mountain bikes? I have nothing against mountain bikes, when used for their intended purpose of off-road riding, but some sort of commuter bike or hybrid would probably be a more appropriate choice for encouraging transportation cycling. But aside from this minor complaint, I hope that this is a successful program, and that it encourages other universities to take on similar projects.
Ripon College, in Wisconsin, has started offering free mountain bikes and helmets to freshmen, who vow not to bring a car on campus. Private donors have driven the $300-per-student
program. Ripon’s initiative represents the rising concern for skyrocketing oil costs.
High gas prices and economic troubles have squeezed college students. University and college bike-sharing programs have filled up quickly. Schools see an opening to guide students toward bike riding, while the sting of fuel costs is still fresh.The environmentally conscious students do no need huge incentives to pick up their bicycles. Schools have scrambles to to revamp biking paths and bike-loan programs. State University of New York-Albany is readying three mile biking path around campus. At Auburn University, the student union has set up bike maintenance shops and bike-loan programs. University of California is renown for their bike riding programs.
Several American college campuses have become the size of small cities. By meeting environmental goals, schools can save money and promote an environmentally conscious lifestyle. Students can also get some much needed exercise.
One Trackback
[...] This is a great idea for several reasons, reducing congestion and pollution on campus, increasing safety, and helping students save some money and maybe even keep off the “freshman 20? or whatever they call it. But why mountain bikes? I have nothing against mountain bikes, when used for their intended purpose of off-road riding, but some sort of commuter bike or hybrid would probably be a more appropriate choice for encouraging transportation cycling. But aside from this minor complaint, I hope that this is a successful program, and that it encourages other universities to take on similar projects. [Rolling Resistance] [...]