Dickinson Named a Bicycle Friendly University by The League of American Bicyclists

CARLISLE, Pa. - Oct. 22, 2014 - PRLog -- Dickinson joins 100 other cutting-edge higher education institutions in 37 states and Washington, D.C. that have worked to make their campuses and the communities that surround them more bikable. As a Bicycle Friendly University, Dickinson will have access to free tools and technical assistance to help it make the campus even more bicycle-friendly.

“Dickinson certainly deserves recognition for its biking program, especially given how much effort has been put in,” said Mariah Murphy ’15, student manager of The Handlebar.  “In just the last couple of months we've installed more bike racks, a bike repair stand [in the center of the campus] and three outdoor bike pumps. This designation means so much to me, especially given all of the time and effort I have put into volunteering at The Handlebar and my biking@dickinson internship; I can see that my work, along with the work of many others, especially that of students, has paid off.”

Dickinson is it just minutes from the midway point of the Appalachian Trail, the Cumberland Valley Rail Trail and the world-renowned Yellow Breeches Creek and LeTort Spring Run, all of which are just a bike ride away. And while bicycling is not only an easy, affordable option for transportation, it also forges a connection to the outdoors, helps decrease the college’s carbon footprint, and its part of a healthy and sustainable campus culture that continues to increase with the introduction of innovative new ideas by the Dickinson community, especially students.

Dickinson has embraced biking in all its forms with initiatives such as:

• The Handlebar (http://blogs.dickinson.edu/dickinsonbikes/thehandlebar/) — A campus bicycle co-operative run by volunteer students, faculty and staff. The “learn to fix it yourself” model provides the college community with new and used bike parts and training for all repairs.
• Green Bikes — Students, faculty and staff can have semester-long use of one of the more than 55 Green Bikes, built by volunteers from The Handlebar, for a $25 refundable deposit.
• Red Bikes — Free use of the college’s signature Red Bikes to members of the campus community, and their families & visitors, for a few hours–or an entire day. This is perfect for errands, riding to the College Farm or riding the many trails around the Carlisle area.
• Bike Racks — Dickinson has invested in open and covered racks across campus to provide convenient and safe parking, and a site to show you the many locations to park your wheels.
• Bike Storage — Dickinson offers free, secure, indoor, long-term bike storage over winter and summer breaks.
• Bike to Farm —The most popular biking event on campus each semester, the campus community can ride their own bike, or borrow a Red Bike, to make the seven-mile ride out to the Dickinson College Farm where everyone socializes, eats delicious dishes and relaxes by a bonfire.
• Bicycle Advisory Committee: This group of faculty, staff and students work to enhance the bicycle culture at Dickinson.
• The Cycling Club: This new club has the budget and equipment and is off to the races. Both training rides and races for road and mountain bikers is available for club members.
• The Biking@Dickinson Listserve: With more than 300 subscribers, this group connects on everything from events, routes, rides, safety, buying and selling bikes.

The League of American Bicyclists has been protecting the rights of citizens to safe and enjoyable bicycling since 1880; representing the nation’s 57 million bicyclists. What started as a movement by “Wheelmen” on high-wheel bikes to get roads paved continues today with their advocacy on the federal level. The League provides education programs, helps create better biking environments, promotes bicycling as the option of choice and helps create bicycle-friendly places voice for change.

www.dickinson.edu