President Leshin will help kick off the program, which will include a bike sign-out demonstration.
Those who were registered by April 18 are eligible to receive a free helmet at today’s launch event (while supplies last); their names will be automatically entered into a raffle. There will also be opportunities to win prizes at the launch.
Gompei’s Gears is the result of an IQP by Kevin Ackerman and John Colfer, carried out with professors Rick Vaz and Kris Boudreau. The Student Green Team was instrumental in planning the launch of the bikeshare program, and will oversee its daily operation. Major financial support has come from the Student Government Association with additional support from the Graduate Student Government, the Facilities Division, the Housing & Residential Experience Center, and the Office of Sustainability. To expand the service and maintain the bikes, the program is seeking financial support from the community through the Alumni Office.
The plan is to install automated key box bike kiosks at Gateway Park, Faraday Hall, Salisbury Labs, and the Quad.
The benefits of a bike share—in addition to getting students to classes and meetings on time—include a decrease in single-occupancy car use, an easing of campus parking strain, less environmental impact, and better health for students and faculty. A bike share is also a clutter-buster, reducing the bikes in residence halls, and making for more space.
To estimate demand, extensive surveys and interviews of students and faculty went into the research of the bike share idea, and the cost will be shared among various groups.
The rain date is April 20 at 4:30 p.m
For more information about Gompei’s Gears bike share, visit the website. Please consider making a donation at the crowdfunding page.
