Spring Break
DeisBikes program is laudatory
by Zachary Matusheski
Op-Ed | 3/31/09
Posted online at 6:48 PM EST on 3/30/09
/ Last updated at 4:48 AM EST on 3/30/09
One of the truly remarkable things about Brandeis is the quality of leadership here. Students and faculty members have taken great initiative in terms of putting forth ideas on how to make the University a more environmentally friendly place. Initiatives regarding using more sustainable materials in take-out containers, pushing the reuse of plastic cups over disposable paper ones and expanding recycling programs are marks of hard work on the part of the Brandeis community.
This week, the community debuted the new 'DeisBikes program. According to the official 'DeisBikes Web site, 'DeisBikes is a "bicycle sharing program of Brandeis University. Our mission is to promote bicycling as desirable means of transportation, in a greater effort to strengthen a culture of sustainability on campus."
Some may ask why the Student Union, the Department of Student Activities and the Campus Sustainability Initiative are supporting 'DeisBikes. With the financial problems the University faces, some may argue that providing bikes for free is a waste of resources.
Cost is something that we should always keep in mind; to this end, the program is cheap. According to the student task force for implementing the project, it cost $1,500. Considering the benefits of the program, that is a small price to pay.
A bicycling program promotes student exercise. In recent months, fans of exercise have had to deal with disappointing changes--the most disappointing being the closing of the Linsey pool. While 'DeisBikes may not appeal directly to those who once used the pool, it is a sign that voluntary exercise is still a priority at the University.
Secondly, 'DeisBikes is a renewable, fun activity. Now friends can take bikes out for rides around Waltham to places like Lizzy's or More than Words. The bikes can provide fun transportation to town events and the town farmers market. Imagine how much value would be added to the experience of participating in events in Waltham if instead of riding in a van or bus, students were able to ride a bike to these events.
This week, the community debuted the new 'DeisBikes program. According to the official 'DeisBikes Web site, 'DeisBikes is a "bicycle sharing program of Brandeis University. Our mission is to promote bicycling as desirable means of transportation, in a greater effort to strengthen a culture of sustainability on campus."
Some may ask why the Student Union, the Department of Student Activities and the Campus Sustainability Initiative are supporting 'DeisBikes. With the financial problems the University faces, some may argue that providing bikes for free is a waste of resources.
Cost is something that we should always keep in mind; to this end, the program is cheap. According to the student task force for implementing the project, it cost $1,500. Considering the benefits of the program, that is a small price to pay.
A bicycling program promotes student exercise. In recent months, fans of exercise have had to deal with disappointing changes--the most disappointing being the closing of the Linsey pool. While 'DeisBikes may not appeal directly to those who once used the pool, it is a sign that voluntary exercise is still a priority at the University.
Secondly, 'DeisBikes is a renewable, fun activity. Now friends can take bikes out for rides around Waltham to places like Lizzy's or More than Words. The bikes can provide fun transportation to town events and the town farmers market. Imagine how much value would be added to the experience of participating in events in Waltham if instead of riding in a van or bus, students were able to ride a bike to these events.
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