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Campus Sustainability in Practice
Green Bikes Program History
The Green Bikes program at Sterling College started in 2001 with the vision of duplicating a model public ‘green bike’ program seen in Copenhagen, Denmark, on the first Sustainable Scandinavian Systems trip in 2000. The basic concept was to provide bicycles for any Sterling College community member to use on campus. Most bikes were either bought at little cost from a shop in Morrisville or were found in free piles on the side of the road, while other used frames and wheels were donated by area community members. Under the guidance of the Work College Program, a “Bike Baron/Baroness” position was created, a role that entailed fixing and maintaining the small fleet of bicycles. The Green Bikes program quickly gained popularity among the students, who are often seen riding down the main street of Craftsbury Common on signature green-colored bicycles, on reconditioned small, pink, child-sized bikes, or even a purple tandem-bicycle.
In 2004, the Green Bikes program came under the umbrella of the Sustainable Sterling initiative, as program goals of human-powered transportation match those of our campus sustainability objectives. Attempts at expanding the guise of the Green Bikes program have included participation in an alternative transportation parade around the Common (2004), a bike tune-up workshop (2005), and a Craftsbury-to-Montpelier bike ride for Fossil Fools’ Day (2006).
Mission and Vision for the Future
The Green Bike Program provides bicycles and technical support for the Sterling College community, promoting the ideas of human-powered transportation; thereby reducing the need for non-renewable based modes of transportation.
Program goals:
- To provide the Sterling College community with a fleet of functional and safe bicycles for use around campus.
- To promote the idea of human-powered transportation, thereby reducing the need for non-renewable based transportation (cars).
- To assist Sterling College community members with maintenance of personal bicycles.
Future goals:
- To have a fully functional bicycle shop with necessary tools owned by the Program/College.
- To have available to the Sterling College community a fleet of higher quality road and off-road bicycles (and helmets) for rent.
- To have a few bicycle trailers for use around campus/town.
- To promote bicycles for transportation and recreation by sponsoring bicycle outings and participation in other statewide events (ex: Fossil Fools’ Day).
- To have a series of workshops on bicycle maintenance and alternative transportation.
- To have a brochure describing the program.
- To establish working relationships with other bike shops and programs in Vermont.
Funding possibilities
- Annual line-item in Student Activities budget ($200)
- Propose that a percentage of student parking permits and parking tickets go to the Green Bikes program
- Donations/discounts from area bike shops
- Grant opportunities
- Concept 2
- Small Dog Electronics
Gear Wish List
Item |
Estimated cost* |
Basic tool kit (chain tool, cable cutter, tire levers, wrenches, patch kit) ex: “Park” BX-2 Roll-up Kit |
$200-300 |
Bike Stand |
$100-200 |
Tubes (esp. mountain bike tubes) @$5 each |
$50-$100 |
Chain cleaner & lube |
$40 |
Pump |
$35 |
Wheel Truing Stand |
$100-200 |
Better spare parts (derailers, shifters, chains, cables, housing, caps, brake pads, etc.) |
$150-200 |
Bike maintenance book |
$10 |
Unit with drawers for parts, etc. (Wood project by student??) |
$40 |
Total (range) |
$725-1125 |
*estimates from Onion River Sports
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