Bike Program Helps Students Stay Fit, Reduce Pollution
First-year students can go green this fall through a new initiative designed to reduce Alma College’s carbon impact.
By signing a pledge not to bring a car to campus for the 2011-12 and 2012-13 academic years, participants in the Get Out Bike Program will receive a bike to keep at a discounted rate.
In addition to minimizing fuel consumption and pollution, Jen List, director of the Stone Recreation Center, says the program aims to help students stay fit by simply moving more.
Students ride on the Fred Meijer Heartland Trail.
“The Get Out Bike Program not only allows students to make a conscious decision to effect the environment, but also to improve their physical and emotional health,” she says.
Along with these benefits, the program is a great way for first-year students to connect to their new community. By choosing not to bring a car to campus, List says participants have more opportunities to engage in college programming and activities outside of classes.
“I hope students will be able to spend more time on campus getting to know fellow students, faculty and staff as a result of this program,” she says. “I also hope it will allow them to explore Alma College and the surrounding community more thoroughly than they might otherwise.”
Campus facilities and Alma's downtown business district are easily accessible by bicycle.
Downtown businesses, restaurants and other services are easily accessible given their close proximity to the College. Campus also is bordered by the 41-mile Fred Meijer Heartland Trail, where participants who sign the pledge will volunteer two of the three days designated to cleaning up the trail.
“The Get Out Bike Program is an incredible opportunity,” says List. “By choosing not to bring a car to campus, students will be making a meaningful contribution to our community.”
Visit the Get Out Bike Program Website for more information.
Posted: Wed, June 8th, 2011 at 4:13PM
