Neither a rainy Saturday morning nor a global pandemic stood in the way of connecting students to safe, sustainable transportation during Florida State University’s reCycle Bike program distribution event this fall.
Sustainable Campus’ reCycle Bike program has been renting refurbished bicycles to FSU students since the program’s inception in 2011.
This year’s distribution event, held Aug. 22, saw massive changes in event operation to accommodate inclement weather and the latest university safety guidelines to protect students and staff from COVID-19. The careful planning done by Sustainable Campus staff, coupled with help from the local bike shop, University Cycles, and the kindness and flexibility of student bike renters, made this event a success despite the challenges.
“We knew holding a bike distribution would be challenging for a lot of reasons this semester,” Sustainability Engagement Coordinator Cyndel Brunell said. “The weather was an unexpected curveball, but the amount of planning that went into ensuring a safe event really shone through in how smoothly the rental process was for students and staff. This event shows that connecting students with resources and opportunities for safe activities like cycling is absolutely possible if we plan well and stick to the university’s event planning guidance.”
A new rental appointment system for students interested in renting a bicycle asked them to select a 30-minute appointment ahead of distribution to ensure a low volume of people selecting bikes at one time. In addition, Sustainable Campus reduced the bike rental fee, accounting for the shortened fall semester.
Sustainable Campus provided 38 students with safe, sustainable transportation for the Fall 2020 semester during the distribution event. Most bike renters, about 42 percent, were first-year students, although the program facilitated rentals for second, third and fourth year students, as well as graduate students. Most importantly, cycling fills a critical transportation need for FSU students and offers a low-contact way to reduce transportation related emissions.
Sustainable Campus has a few bicycles remaining for rent. To make an appointment, fill out the Sustainable Campus rental contract.
Students interested in the reCycle Bike program or other opportunities to get involved in Sustainable Campus programs are encouraged to visit the Sustainable Campus website at sustainablecampus.fsu.edu.