Riding clean:

Have you ever considered riding on two wheels instead of four?

With gas prices and environmental awareness both on the rise, universities across the nation are giving bikes to incoming freshmen in order to cut down students’ reliability on cars, and alleviate traffic problems.

Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs Jim Fitzpatrick, who said he uses his bike to get to work on nice days, said that bikes will be a part of the Fairfield transportation system possibly as early as next year or sometime in the near future.

‘We’re exploring options for some bicycle program on campus for next year,’ Fitzpatrick said.’ ‘The bikes will either be by rental or some type of’ option for a reduced cost purchase price.’

The plan to give bikes away to students is being pioneered locally by the University of New England, who has decided to give free bikes to freshmen who promise to leave their cars at home. Unlike Fairfield, the University of New England allows freshmen to have cars on campus but is trying to curb that policy and make the campus more sustainable.

The lack of transit services provided by the University is being addressed by FUSA in the form of a special committee dedicated entirely to the issue. Aside from the committee, the idea of a ‘bike room’ has been discussed during FUSA senate meetings.

‘We were talking about creating a bike room, where students could swipe in and take a bike for a while, then just return it,’ said FUSA Senator Joe Mercadante ’11. ‘The idea will improve campus sustainability, and will hopefully be put into effect in the coming two years.’

The issue for increased campus sponsored transportation is currently a hot topic in the FUSA senate, as well as for many students on campus. The lack of transit to the train stations, and to regular spots in town is a daily inconvenience for students, and will be compounded next year when sophomores lose the right to bring cars on campus.

Aside from the student impact, a campus wide bike program would undoubtedly aid in the ongoing ‘green’ effort by Fairfield. The average passenger car releases .05 gallons of case per mile and releases nearly 21 grams of carbon monoxide into the atmosphere.

Consider that many students drive SUV’s, which only increases the negative environmental impact.

‘I know a lot of people who drive to class from the townhouses,’ said townhouse resident Chaya Lee ’10. ‘I think if Fairfield gives out bikes, students would be more inclined not to take their cars to class.’

The idea of substituting a bike for a car is one not unfamiliar to some Fairfield faculty members such as Kevin Cassidy, director of the peace and justice studies program.

‘It started years ago as an economy measure since it allowed my wife and I to have just one car instead of two, which was a big savings,’ he said. ‘Over the years, I’ve come to value it for the built-in workout it provides and the chance to get my head out of whatever else I’m doing that day.’

When sophomores will be losing car privileges next year, this will only increase the number of already cash-strapped students who complain about the lack of an efficient system of traveling into town.

While the idea of a loaner bike system is environmentally attractive and may provide better opportunities to get around on- , the idea has been met with mixed reception because many students feel transportation off-campus is a more important concern.

‘I think University provided bikes are a good idea for getting around on campus, but will not benefit the majority of the students,’ said Kara Dimao ’10. ‘For students who need to go off campus, especially to the train station, bikes really won’t help the cause.’

With only one hourly bus into town, underclassmen are finding it increasingly difficult to fulfill daily needs without a reliable form of transportation they can utilize.

‘It’s very difficult to do everyday errands like going to the grocery store, post office, or pharmacy because we don’t have cars, and only have one bus that runs hourly into town,’ said freshman Tom Peters. ‘I think the bike system is a good idea, but I don’t think it will be much of a factor in making it easier to get around off campus.’

‘I think the idea would be more beneficial to bigger campuses,’ said Jeff Bradke ’11. ‘It might help with getting to class, but I think Fairfield would benefit more by improving the buses before giving away bikes.’

Associate Director of Public Safety Frank Ficko explained some of the advantages officers on bikes have compared to those in patrol cars.

‘Bikes enable an increased amount of patrol coverage in areas where traditional patrol vehicles are limited,’ he said. ‘We encourage students to ride bikes as campus is very compatible to this mode of transportation since they can contribute to improving air quality while promoting exercise and good health.’

Of 20 randomly selected students in the Barone Campus Center, only four said they would be happy to receive a free bike to use during the semester, while 16 said they would rather be permitted to use their car rather then use a bike, even if it was provided by the University.

Fitzpatrick offered up an alternative idea based on the same foundational idea that he thought might be able to benefit members of the Fairfield community.

‘We’re reviewing the current system both in terms of on-campus and off-campus service, issues such as ridership, costs and sustainability are all part of the transportation equation,’ he said. ‘Right now, I’m not too excited’ about the loaner bike system.
‘I’ favor’ a combination of bike purchase and supplemental bus service during the colder months,’ he said.

‘Fairfield is in the middle of an ongoing ‘green’ initiative,’ said FUSA President Jeff Seiser. ‘We feel that we should try to integrate that with the growing need for different forms of transportation students need on- and off-campus.’