Bike Share program rides on with community support

By Katie Land, news editor

OU's Bike Share Program provides more than 50  on campus bikes to students, staff and faculty.

The road ahead looks smooth for Oakland University’s newly created Bike Share Program. Launched in early September, this initiative has garnered generous support from the campus community and is already growing.

The arsenal has been increased by 23 bikes donated by students, faculty and staff. The new bikes will hit Oakland’s sidewalks after a quick tune up and paint job.

“I am very pleased with the overwhelmingly positive campus response to the program,” said Glenn McIntosh, dean and assistant vice president for Student Affairs. “I believe the early success of the program can be attributed to the student involvement in virtually every stage of this program's development.”

Sponsored by the OU Student Congress and the Sustainability Outreach Peer Educators, the kick-off brought together dozens of students and administrators, including McIntosh and Mary Beth Snyder, vice president of student affairs.

Based on successful programs at other colleges and universities, Bike Share offers a free, eco-friendly and convenient choice for students, staff and faculty to cover distances on and off campus deemed too far to walk.

Largely a student-led initiative, the bike share offers a convenient method of transportation, reduces traffic, decreases parking demand and reduces fuel emissions, all while promoting physical fitness and a sense of community.

“It is important to start looking at alternative forms of transportation,” McIntosh said. “The bike share program serves a dual purpose by promoting an eco-friendly system and wellness concept to our faculty, staff and students.”

Developed to be used on an honor system, the program began with about 30 bikes and 30 designated bike racks. The bikes are to be used only on campus and will be stored during the winter months.