The ever-increasing parking problems on campus have caused an increase in the use of different modes of transportation— specifically, bicycles.
For sophomore biology pre-med major Myriam Sanders, her decision to ride a bike instead of using a car was a result of parking permit issues last year.
“I saw that it was really efficient for getting to class to and from my apartment,” Sanders said. “Because of the whole permit ordeal last year, I was tired of Ole Miss parking and wanted to do my own thing.”
Mike Harris, director of parking and transportation, said parking citations and permits were the main reason that some students chose to stick with bicycles instead of bringing their cars on campus for this year, but, contrary to popular belief, the increase in cyclists is not due to fewer parking spaces on campus.
Harris said more vehicle parking passes were sold in 2015 than in 2014, and the high cost of permits and citations pay for parking lot maintenance, construction, signs, painting, enforcement, bus service and debt payments.
“More parking construction is needed and the future may also include more garage construction to meet the demands of our campus,” Harris said. “These all come at a cost.”
Some of the cyclists, however, do not use their bicycles out of frustration or convenience, but as a necessary means for transportation without a car.
Sophomore international studies major Shannon Ladnier said she frequents the Square on her bicycle because she came to Ole Miss without a car.
“Having a bike comes in handy for getting around campus quickly,” Ladnier said.
To help the students who choose to bike, new implementations on and around campus are making Oxford a more bicycle-friendly place.
“We currently do not charge for bike permits,” Harris said. “Bicycle registration is free and encouraged— this helps us return a bike to the rightful owner should it become lost, stolen or confiscated.”
The Luckyday and Residential College South have also started a new program this year where students living in those dorms have the ability to rent Ole Miss bicycles for as long as they need them for the year.
According to Rebel Pedals, the bike-sharing program, bicycles can be rented for $25 per semester from the Bike Shop by Kennon Observatory. The rental fee includes a helmet and a lock.
Along with the increased access to bikes, a number of bicycle lanes are popping up around campus, most notably the ones on Old Taylor Road and College Hill Drive where many off-campus student apartment complexes are located.
These efforts have been introduced as a way to accommodate students without vehicles and to encourage more students to leave their cars at home and use a more efficient way to travel around campus.
“Bicycle usage has increased,” Harris said. “I see this continuing into the future as we continue to grow.”
