"Velorution" on campus!

As the trees slowly begin to change and the days get shorter it slowly dawns on us…the freedom of summer is drawing to an end. After months of hiding, the school buses are emerging and thousands of students, teachers, faculty and staff are heading back to learning institutions everywhere. While some bravely hop on their bikes with their books and material safely tucked away in their bicycle bags and handlebar bag, others will hop in their cars or wait for the bus.  

Along with all these people making their way back to reality come traffic and parking issues and, well, let’s face it, environmental concerns. In order to alleviate some of these negative effects, many colleges and universities have instituted transportation development management programs. ^[1]These programs include such things as ridesharing and carpooling, shuttle services, car free planning, and pedestrian and bicycle facilities and improvements. Some institutions go a bit farther by offering bike sharing programs, secure bicycle parking areas, lockers, showers and change rooms for active commuters, on campus bike repair workshops and rebate coupons that can be used to purchase such items as a bike rack and bicycle panniers. ^[2]

Some colleges and universities are revolutionizing transportation management programs by giving away bicycles.

For example, the University of New England, located on the coast of Maine, and Ripon College, in Wisconsin, are offering free bicycles to first year students who agree to leave their car at home this fall. ^[3]

Ripon College’s program entitled the “Velorution Project” has incredibly attracted 60% of all first year students! ^[4]

So, above and beyond the free bike, these students and their schools are playing an important role in saving the environment. Ripon’s program is one of the most innovative among many such campus transportation initiative programs in the United States. The primary goals of such programs are to reduce the carbon footprint and parking demand by encouraging students, faculty or staff to make use of bikes, public transit, ridesharing or car-sharing programs. As well, these programs promote healthy lifestyles and sustainable transportation.

As you roll out of bed to make your way to school why not think about hopping on your bike? And when shopping for that new backpack why not consider the “Bug”? This revolutionary bag goes from bicycle pannier to backpack in the blink of an eye! Ergonomic shoulder straps are hidden under Velcro® secured flaps. This bicycle bag / backpack also includes a helmet holder that allows you to store and carry your helmet when off the bike as well as a clever U-Lock pocket. It's hip, it's cool, it’s Arkel!

1, 2. http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/programs/environment-utsp-casestudy-cs66e-tdm-808.htm

3, 4, 5 http://www.triplepundit.com/2008/09/incentive-schemes-for-cycling-to-work-or-college