IN THE NEWS

April 9, 2003

Bike rentals, loans allow pedalers to pennypinch

by Angie Morgan
Campus Press

In an effort to reduce the demand for private parking on campus and the resulting congestion, CU’s Environmental Center wheeled out two programs last week that will allow students to both borrow and buy bicycles.

“Buff Bikes” is a free bike-rental program soon to be in full swing on campus. Full-fee paying students can rent one of 10 new, specially designed cruiser bikes with reinforced wheels, a springy seat, a U-lock, helmet and light from the Environmental Center.

This two-day commuter-bike rental program mimics one currently in effect at the University of Montana — Missoula. CU Environmental Center Director and Boulder Mayor Will Toor, who visited the Montana campus last year, said the program is “very popular.”

CU has one of the highest percentages of bicycle use in the country, but a survey of the student body two years ago showed only 50 percent of the student body had bike access.

“It’s my hope that those who don’t now commute by bicycle will try (renting a Buff Bike),” Toor said. “It would be a benefit to all of us if more people tried it out.”

Just like checking out a book from the library, there will be a late fee for every day the bikes are brought back after the allotted two-day rental period. Late fees will accumulate until they reach the cost of the bike.

“You could keep it if you wanted to,” said Peter Roper, the bicycles program director.

Roper, a senior economics major, was recruited to lead the Buff Bikes program last year after Toor returned from Montana. Roper hasn’t stopped dreaming up the ideal bike-friendly, energy-efficient campus yet.

Roper said he hopes in the future there will be a full-service bike station/shop/information center for users on campus. For now, Roper is busy assembling, advertising and renting the golden cruisers.

A joint effort between the Environmental Center and the U of C Federal Credit Union called “Easy Ride” is a new, no-interest loan program for CU students who want to purchase a bike.

Since the 12-month loan of up to $500 was inaugurated last week at the UMC fountain area, the credit union has already assisted one student in purchasing a bicycle.

“It’s very straight forward,” said Sue Bailhache, U of C Federal Credit Union spokeswoman.

Bailhache said 10 percent of the bike’s cost must be put down by the student. A receipt from the bike shop and a letter of authorization from the Environmental Center, which can be picked up in UMC room 355, are also required for a loan to be granted. The U of C Federal Credit Union, (UMC 143), will write the bike shop a check for the rest of the amount.

“This loan will make it easy for students to purchase commuter bikes and support environmentally friendly transportation,” according to Toor in a March press release.

The City of Boulder Year 2000 travel diary study shows that CU students already use bicycles for 31 percent of all trips — one of the highest levels in the nation.

Although the U of C Federal Credit Union anticipates serving the most students at its CU Credit Union branch, all loan offices are aware of the new program in effect and can assist students getting their bikes.

Students interested in learning more about the Easy Ride interest-free bike loan can contact CU Environmental Center at (303) 492-8308 or stop by the UMC room 355.

The above article was taken from the April 9, 2003 issue of the Campus Press. The original can be found here.