Related links:

The SLU Green Pages
Environmental Awareness Organization
Student Government resolution supporting environmental awareness

A List
10/3/05

'GREEN BIKES' PROGRAM UNDER WAY AT SLU

CANTON - The phrase "check out that bike" has a whole new meaning on the St. Lawrence University campus. Beginning this fall, anyone with an I.D. that allows them to check books out of the University's libraries can also check out a bicycle.

Modeled on bicycle loan programs that are common in Europe, the Green Bikes program is unique in its use of academic libraries as the check-out point. Officials believe it is the first such program at any college in New York State. While not as common in the U.S. as elsewhere, some cities offer bicycle-loan programs, as do many colleges, usually through clubs and organizations.

A pilot bike-loan program at St. Lawrence got under way through the student Environmental Awareness Organization last year, but had difficulties because there was no good way to monitor use and returns. That's when Science Librarian Eric R. Williams-Bergen got involved.

Williams-Bergen, who earned his bachelor's degree from St. Lawrence in 1991, is an environmental activist who's been known to commute to his job on cross-country skis. Working with students in the Environmental Awareness Organization, he organized a system for people to check out the cruiser-style bikes for a two-day period, the same as those with proper I.D. can check out laptop computers or DVDs from the library.

The group purchased 10 new bicycles from a local dealer this fall, and while the program name "Green Bikes" indicates their environmentally friendly nature, the bikes are not necessarily green in color. Funding was approved through the student government association, from activities fees. The bikes may be checked out from either of two library facilities on campus; at check-out, users are issued a helmet and a key to where the bikes are stored, for a two-day period, with renewals possible. No deposit is necessary, and the use of the bikes is free of charge, exactly as it is for books, multimedia materials and other equipment. As with other borrowed items, fines may be imposed if the bicycles are not returned on time, or if they are returned in damaged condition.

The initiative aims to:

Reduce air pollution, noise pollution and the use of fossil fuels.

Provide an opportunity for those on campus, especially students, for exercise and the promotion of physical well-being.

While the service has only been available for about two weeks, it has been tremendously popular. Library officials report that as soon as bikes are returned, they are immediately checked out again. To date, organizers have not even had to advertise the program, and have experienced success due to positive word-of-mouth by students.

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