Sophomore William Mahoney rides his bike to the Phi Delta Theta fraternity house at the University of Mississippi, Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2014. DM Photo | Cady Herring
The League of American Bicyclists has named The University of Mississippi an honorable mention on its list of Bike Friendly Universities, which distinguishes the university’s efforts in promoting biking on campus.
In order to receive this honorable mention, a group consisting of students, faculty and staff submitted an application, according to Sara Douglass, post-baccalaureate fellow in the Office of Sustainability.
Douglass says the group who submitted the application along with her department and the Parking & Transportation department will continue to oversee projects that will continue to improve bike culture on campus.
“I have already noticed more bikes on campus this semester as compared to the spring semester, which is great,” Douglass said. “I think the increase in the number of people biking on campus can be attributed to the limited number of commuter spots and the opening of the Ole Miss Bike Shop.”
The Ole Miss Bike Shop, located next to Kennon Observatory, is run by Parking and Transportation Services and offers repair assistance and serves as the location to rent bicycles for the semester through Rebel Pedals, also a parking and transportation initiative.
Mike Harris, director of parking and transportation, believes the effort to promote biking on campus serves two purposes.
“It is important to see this as a win, win. You not only have the benefits of being healthier and more active while riding the bike, you also have the added benefit of a reliable and convenient transportation mode,” Harris said.
As they continue to expand in areas such as Rebel Pedels from 100 to 175 bicycles for rent, both Harris and Douglass have acknowledged a need to educate drivers and bicycle riders about safety.
“Some may come from areas that have a vibrant bicycle culture and understand the complexities of sharing the road and proper signaling techniques, while others may have never been exposed to this type of transportation,” Harris said.
Both departments, along with the Parking and Traffic committee and University Communications are working together to produce a pamphlet, which would cover everything from bike safety to registering your bike, according to Sara Douglass.
Regular bike rider and junior, Gracie Sullivan, appreciates the luxury of biking to class in order to avoid parking issues, but also has these same safety concerns.
“The worst part is at stop signs. I have come close to getting hit a ton of times, but that was mostly my fault. Most of the drivers are nice,” Sullivan said.
As the university continues to expand bicycle initiatives and education, both departments anticipate less stressful parking experiences, more safe riding and less carbon emissions a week.
