Biking in the Bluegrass
Even though Stanford is the only university to receive four consecutive platinum designations as a bicycle-friendly university from the League of American Bicyclists, we’re always eager to find ways to make our program even better. That’s why, as a sustainable transportation associate for Stanford Transportation, I was thrilled to attend the National Campus Bike Summit at the University of Kentucky (UK) in October. The event gave bike planners from around the country an opportunity to collaborate on what it takes to implement and maintain unique bicycle offerings on college campuses.
Bike Friendly Conference
My first observation was how convenient it was to bike while attending the conference. Attendees were offered a complimentary rental and guided rides were seamlessly integrated into the conference agenda. Bike valet service was even available so we could park our bikes at the conference venue thanks to the help of an attendant.
Pro Tip: If you’re an event planner, consider sustainable options for visitors traveling to, from, and around campus. Sustainable Stanford offers helpful event planning resources. Our “Thriving at Stanford” resource guide from Stanford Transportation can help attendees get around campus and the Bay Area without a car.
Using Bikes to Enrich Innovative Curriculum and Shift Campus Culture
One of my favorite sessions featured Emma Armendariz, active transportation coordinator at the University of Arkansas (UARK), located in Fayetteville, a notably bike-friendly town.
With plenty of bike infrastructure available at UARK, Emma’s challenge is shifting the campus culture. One way she’s accomplished this is through guided bike rides as part of student field trips. Not only is there an educational benefit to connecting with nature through biking, but for many students, the field trip is their first time on campus bike trails. The experience also encourages students to consider biking as a viable option.
Calling Bike Ideas: The field trip model evolved thanks to a passionate professor during a monthly Cruise to Campus event that encourages faculty and staff to bike to campus while offering a space to share ideas. Do you have a creative idea to integrate biking or sustainable transportation into your curriculum? Share it with us at commuteclub@stanford.edu
Secure Bike Storage Rooms with Showers, Lockers, and Towel Service
As part of the Summit, we toured the incredible UK Indoor Bike Storage Room, accessible to students and staff via key card. Along with racks for 60 bicycles, the room also features private showers, personal lockers, and a fix-it station.
Did you know? Stanford Redwood City (SRWC) has two indoor bike storage rooms for employees. The SRWC Recreation and Wellness Center provides showers, locker rooms with towel service, and day-use lockers. Bike cage spaces are available on the Stanford campus at the Knight Management Center Garage, Stock Farm Garage, Via Ortega Garage, and Center for Academic Medicine. Shower facilities are available at the Arrillaga Outdoor Education and Recreation Center.
Game-Changing Campus Bike Programs
University of Kentucky - The Wildcat Wheels Bicycle Library: an entirely student-run shop that provides free bicycle use and repair assistance to UK students and employees.
Boston University - Cycle Kitchen: a DIY bike repair and community gathering place that provides a teaching space for learning to repair bikes.
University of Montana - ASUM (Associated Students of the University of Montana) Transportation Bike Retail Shop: a brand new shop that employs three student mechanics to provide quick bike fixes and sell discounted bike gear.
University of Minnesota - Gopher Bikes: a bike lending library offering free semester or year-long rentals that utilizes the residence hall checkout system.
University of Louisville - Bikeshare: a bike lending library where students and staff can borrow upcycled bikes for free.
University of California, Los Angeles - Earn-a-Bike: a program that allows qualified participants to trade in their parking permit for a free $900 bicycle package from a local bike shop.
Do you need a bike? Visit Stanford’s Campus Bike Shop or peruse the list of shops within a two-mile radius of the campus. Used bikes are a good idea, too. Check out the Stanford Department of Public Safety’s annual bike sale where abandoned bikes are repaired and sold for as low as $40.
