August 1,
2005
Why drive when you can bike .. for free
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| Students celebrate the launch of City Cycles |
ity Cycles, a bicycle borrowing program organized by students, promotes what members say is a healthier, cleaner, and more affordable alternative to the car or SUV. With a valid University ID, students can check out one of 15 bikes, including a tandem, for day or night use free of charge. The bikes come with helmet, rack, front and rear lights, bell, lock, and optional saddle bags.
"By providing the University community with the necessary equipment and with safe recreational and commuter cycling opportunities, we promote a culture that views cycling as an attractive, viable, and sustainable mode of transportation," says Andrew Hall '06, one of several students who helped develop the program.
City Cycles is a cosponsorship between Grassroots, the University's student environmental action and awareness group, and the University's cycling and outing clubs. The group secured funding from Student Activities and has upgraded equipment and established a fully equipped bicycle shop in the athletic center.
"Bikes are a great way to get where you have to go, and this program helps remind people of that," says Rebecca Fine '08, a Grassroots member from Saratoga Springs. "It will also help students and others take advantage of the campus' proximity to the city and other recreation sites."In addition to the check-out program, the group also cosponsors a weekly bike ride on Sundays. Trips include both trail and street riding, and are open to the public. Those interested in participating should meet at the front steps of Wilson Commons at noon.
City Cycles plans to offer several clinics about bicycle maintenance and mechanics and to post a ride board as well as route maps.
A new Web site scheduled to launch in the fall at http://sa.rochester.edu/citycycles will allow students to view bikes available for check out and download maps of regional bike paths. To learn more or to join the group's task force, contact Adam Baratz, program administrator, at adam.baratz@ rochester.edu.
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