Whether you are a seasoned cyclist, or thinking about trying a two-wheeled commute for the first time, there are a variety of opportunities on campus this September to make CSU students, faculty and staff more knowledgeable, safe and enthusiastic about bicycling.
“Twenty percent of students and 12 percent of employees bicycle to campus as their primary commute mode last year,” said Erika Benti, active transportation professional in CSU’s Parking and Transportation Services office. “We couldn’t be more proud of our platinum Bicycle Friendly University designation, and our investment in infrastructure to support biking to campus, as well as the development of resources like The Spoke, in support of our bike-to-campus culture.”
If you’re interested in joining those who bike to campus, Parking and Transportation’s Division of Alternative Transportation is offering education and perks:
Smart cycling at CSU: This free, two-part class is designed to teach rules of the road, improve skills and build confidence. Earn a Smart Cycling Certificate by completing one classroom and one on-bike session, offered on campus during a variety of 5:30 – 8 p.m. weekday sessions throughout the month of September. Food will be provided. Space is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis. See available dates and RSVP.
Bike to Breakfast: Swing by for coffee, breakfast, freebies and festivities on these three Wednesday mornings in September. Bike to Breakfast is a way to celebrate our campus bicyclists, and catch up on the latest bike news and education. No RSVP required. Breakfast is served from 7:30 – 10 a.m. as follows:
Wednesday, Sept. 13 –Plum and Meridian
Wednesday, Sept. 20 – Hughes Way and Meridian
Wednesday, Sept. 27 – Newton Statue
Community Rides: This group has enjoyed monthly lunchtime rides throughout the summer, most recently touring the Gardens on Spring Creek in August. These rides were organized to teach skills, gain confidence and build community, and are especially helpful for women, although all are welcome to attend. Join us for our last two rides of the year: A tour of the new Shields and Elizabeth underpass on Sept. 13, and learn to take a bike MAX on Oct. 11. Register for a community ride.
Back on the Bike Program: CSU Parking and Transportation Services is seeking 15 participants who identify as “interested but concerned” about bicycling regularly for transportation. Back on the Bike participants receive specialized training, encouragement, and free equipment for their bicycle commute to campus. In return, each participant will commit to bicycling to work three days a week in warm months and one day a week in cold months, graduating as bicycle ambassadors to the CSU community at the end of the program. Contact Aaron Buckley at aaron.buckley@colostate.edu or (970) 491-2492.
Secure bike parking: CSU’s first secure bike shelter is now open at University Max Station. The shelter was funded through a grant awarded by the Colorado Department of Transportation and the North Front Range Metropolitan Planning Organization. Your university key-card allows entrance into the secured shelter, which is designed to serve last-mile and cross-campus needs of transit riders. Permits to the shelter can be purchased through Parking and Transportation Services ($80 annual and $35 semester), and are limited to the 35 available parking spaces in the shelter. Purchase a permit.
