Loyola University Bike Club is not just another bump in the road

September 5, 5:40 PMLoyola University Chicago ExaminerHalle Miroglotta

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Loyola University Bike Club arrives at Chicago
Critical Mass, August 2008

Loyola University Chicago is not a stranger to sustainability initiatives.

According to Loyola's website, one current construction project includes putting 'green' roofs on the Mundelein Center, Information Commons, Quinlan Life Sciences, and Baumhart Hall. All of the new paving on campus is done with semi-permeable paving material in order to reduce storm-water runoff to city sewer systems. Florescent, energy saving lightbulbs are installed in all residence halls and are available to students, free of charge, through the Student Enviornmental Alliance. Not to mention, we can run cars on veggie oil.

With all these sustainability initiatives already in place, the growing popularity of Loyola's Bike Club should come as no surprise.

Tony Giron, president of Loyola's Bike Club, says simply, "Bike Club's overall goal is to get more people on bikes. As Loyola's bike population grows, there will be less cars commuting to the parking garages- thus reducing Loyola's impact on the enviornment."

A few years ago, Bike Club consisted of a few students who liked to cycle. Now, the numbers are growing, and Bike Club transforms from few friends on bikes to a social justice minded, influential group on campus.
In cooperation with the USGA (Unified Student Government Association), Bike Club prepares to start a Bike Rental program on campus. By refurbishing abandoned bikes, Bike Club members exercise both resourcefulness and mechanical skill. According to Giron, "there are about twenty bikes donated by campus safety at the moment." The ultimate logistics of the rental process are still being worked out with University Administrators in order to provide free, one day bike rentals for students in the 2008-2009 school year.

Don't worry, students! Bike Club is still providing plenty of events in the meantime:
+ Bike Club plans to host a variety of bike workshops, covering everything from "How to Fix a Flat," to "The ABC's of Bike Maintenance," and "How to Ride Safely on the City Streets." Additionally, some workshops will feature mechanics from local bike shops.
(Workshops are held at 5:00pm on the first and second Friday of every month and are held in the new bike repair station, right next to the bike corral in the main parking garage.)
+ Access to every possible bike tool imaginable... if you are brave enough to join the knowledgeable force that is Bike Club.
+ Critical Mass. On the last Friday of every month, Loyola students and Bike Club members gather in front of Mertz (at the "ashtray") at 4:30pm. Together, the group bikes downtown along the lake-front path and arrives to join thousands of other bikers for the Chicago Critical Mass. All students are welcome to join this group- all that's needed is a bike. (Personal plug for Loyola students: I went with this group down to Critical Mass and had a blast. Come. Ride. Bikes!)

At heart, Bike Club still consists of few friends riding bikes. But now they are also part of a movement, both on campus and in the Roger's Park/Edgewater Area. Join the movement!