Bike Share program expands

The program, which provides bicycles to help students travel around campus and the community, was initially funded by a grant from Healthy Blue and continues to be supported by that grant and supplemented by a Behavioral Health Education Center of Nebraska American Rescue Plan Act grant.

Students say the bikes save time, encourage exercise, and make daily life easier.

“They’ve been life savers when I’m running late for class or need to transport materials,” said Esosa Iyengunmwena, a senior majoring in Communication Arts from Levelland, Texas. “They’ve also been helpful for grocery shopping and exercise. I love them.”

Shelby Westinghouse, a sophomore majoring in Communication Arts from Hot Springs, South Dakota, said she uses the bikes for entertainment.

“My roommate and I ride the bikes around town on nice days. I have found that the bikes are a great way to have fun exploring town while taking a break from homework,” Westinghouse said.

Men’s Basketball Head Coach Chris Francis said the program has been a game-changer for his players.

Isaiah Randolph, a freshman Business major from Long Island, New York, said he rides to practice and uses the bikes to stay active on rest days.

“They give me an easy way to exercise and get around campus without needing a car,” he said.

Zach Smith, a senior majoring in Sport, Fitness, and Recreation from Hartford, Connecticut, said he rides everywhere on campus and often uses the bikes as a warm-up before basketball practice.

Randolph and Smith’s teammate, Patric Prince a junior majoring in Sport, Fitness, and Recreation from Grovetown, Georgia, enjoys using the bikes and since they are equipped with front baskets he’s able to carry mail and other items on campus.

Associate Director of Residence Life Christian Miller, who helps administer the bike share program, said maintaining the fleet requires teamwork. History Professor Dr. Kurt Kinbacher and the Assistant Directors of Residence Life help handle repairs and upkeep. There is also a self-help tire repair station at the Student Center on the north side where students can pump up tires and make minor repairs.

“That has been incredibly helpful,” Miller said. “It’s also important that bikes are returned to designated racks so others can use them.”

The program currently includes 26 bikes, including 10 recently purchased and assembled with CSC branding and baskets.

“It’s been great to see the bikes all over campus and around town, including places like Walmart and downtown businesses,” Miller said.

Miller said students should respect the bikes so they can be used for as long as possible and that students should bring the bikes back to campus instead of leaving them at their off-campus residences overnight or at other establishments.

“Unlike big city bike shares, we encourage all bikes to be placed back in the designated bike racks, rather than left anywhere on campus. Any damage to bikes can be considered damage to college property and subject to disciplinary action,” Miller said.

Anyone who notices a damaged bike is encouraged to contact Miller at cmiller@csc.edu.