Muleskinner

Issue date: 10/4/07 Section: News

Media Credit: Ryan Gibbs: Photography Editor hit the road - (Left to right) Abby Dickson, freshman elementary education major; Danielle Drenon, freshman physical therapy major; and Pierre Ynancy, freshman physical therapy major, test out the rental bikes on the south side of the Union. [Click to enlarge]

Why couldn't the bicycle stand on its own? The answer is, of course, because it was too tired.

Now, if Central Missouri students or faculty are too tired to walk or just need transportation, there are brand new bicycles available to rent from the Office of Campus Activities.

Last spring, the Student Government Association (SGA) purchased 20 bicycles in order to help students with accessible transportation. SGA researched several schools with bicycle rental programs and found the programs beneficial.

There was some deliberation in deciding where to purchase the bicycles.

"We decided to buy the bikes from FreeRide in Warrensburg in order to support the local economy," said Darren Doherty, SGA president. "FreeRide also offered us a warranty, so if anything should happen to the bikes, the damage could be assessed and serviced quickly."

The bicycles are high-quality and able to handle different types of terrain. Beth Rutt, director of campus activities, said the bikes are well-suited for students and faculty.

"They are cross-country bikes for road and trail," Rutt said. "They are really very sturdy bikes."

Although the bicycle rental program has been in place for a short time, several students have already been renting and enjoying the new bikes.

"The bike was really comfortable," said UCM student Anna Diven, who recently rented one to ride to Pertle Springs. "The bike was also easily accessible from Campus Activities."

The bikes are available for $2 a day, or $10 a week. Students and faculty must show their UCM ID and bring a helmet in order to rent a bike. Student Activities provides a lock.

Bikes must be returned at the same time the following day, and students must provide their information in case of damage.

If faculty are interested in using the bikes for field trips, they are asked to contact the Office of Campus Activities a full day in advance to rent more than one bike. Otherwise, bicycles may be rented by students from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

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