A step in the right direction..

Found an interesting article today…

Ripon College, in Wisconsin, has started offering free mountain bikes and helmets to freshmen, who vow not to bring a car on campus. Private donors have driven the $300-per-student program. Ripon’s initiative represents the rising concern for skyrocketing oil costs.

High gas prices and economic troubles have squeezed college students. University and college bike-sharing programs have filled up quickly. Schools see an opening to guide students toward bike riding, while the sting of fuel costs is still fresh.

The environmentally conscious students do no need huge incentives to pick up their bicycles. Schools have scrambles to to revamp biking paths and bike-loan programs. State University of New York-Albany is readying three mile biking path around campus. At Auburn University, the student union has set up bike maintenance shops and bike-loan programs. University of California is renown for their bike riding programs.

Several American college campuses have become the size of small cities. By meeting environmental goals, schools can save money and promote an environmentally conscious lifestyle. Students can also get some much needed exercise.

I am glad that they are taking a look at how they can help be part of a solution. I see the bike offering as more than just savings on gas and the emissions. This offer can also help with the students health. Biking makes for great exercise.