Bike co-op makes campus commute quicker, easier

You have to get to campus early if you want a spot. Not in the parking lots, though. No, the first spots to fill up these days are at the bike racks. Bicycles are in, it seems. Even before this summer's sky-rocketing gas prices really got the two wheel trend going, three Saint Joseph's University students had the idea to start a bicycle co-op.

Kyle Konopka, '11, Julian Phillips, '11, and Amy Sands, '11, all share a love of biking, which inspired them to provide this service for their fellow students. Although they conceived the idea last year, the Saint Joseph's University Bike Co-op really started to gain momentum this semester. Still in the planning stages, Konopka, Phillips, and Sands are hoping to have co-op bikes locked up at various locations on campus. Members of the co-op would be able to retrieve a bike with a key they pick up from other members.

One problem the co-op already faces is a lack of bike racks. Phillips and Sands admit that Saint Joseph's does not have a very bike-friendly campus. The few racks that are present are overcrowded and aren't doing the job.

"I had someone lock their bike to mine because there were so many bikes, they couldn't see what they were doing. I had to wait a couple of hours for them to come back," said Sands.

Campus officials promise relief is on the way. According to Kevin Kane, director of the Office of Facilities Management, there are currently 11 bike racks on campus, with more soon to come. Lafarge Hall, Sullivan Annex, the Maguire Gym, Lancaster Hall and Moore Hall are all on the list to receive racks once they arrive.

With a more bike friendly campus, the co-op creators hope more people will decide to ride. Besides the obvious advantage of exercise, Phillip and Sands note the expanding campus as a reason to pick up a bike.

"Between classes it comes in really handy. You might have a class on main campus and the next one all the way at Maguire. Having a car doesn't do you any good, but a bike can get you there on time," said Sands.

Rushing across City Avenue to class, however, could raise some safety issues. Upon joining the program, students will receive a pamphlet with important information on safety. Riding in an urban environment can be tricky, and co-op creators want safety to come first.

"Not only is the safety of the riders important," said Sands, "but also respect for those students walking around."

The cooperative aspect of the program is something they hope will boost membership. "It's nice because it's for students, by students," said Sands.

With volunteers maintaining the bikes, students have one less thing to worry about. Sands admits that having a bike can be a pain, but hopes that for members the responsibilities that come with actually owning one will be lessened.

In order to provide their services the co-op needs donations, including bicycles, locks, and the time of those skilled in fixing and maintaining bikes. Ten bicycles have already been pledged, but more are needed. The co-op may receive limited funds from the University, but will largely depend on donated equipment and energetic participants.

Sands and Phillips hope the co-op will encourage students to ride and take advantage of all that cycling has to offer. With a Facebook group and Web site soon to come, they hope to be fully operative by next semester. Until then they are using the environmental club, G.R.E.E.N.C.O.W., as a base out of which they can organize and plan.