There’s a big difference up here from Dunedin – sure the climate, but we’re flat. In 2009 the campus saw a large increase in the international student population alongside those coming from out of district. Many of these students arrive without any form of transport. After a few discussions about this ‘Bikes on Campus’ was born.
‘Bikes on Campus’ is an initiative to get students mobile. All students who now arrive at the campus can get a bike, helmet and lock for a small refundable deposit. When we started the project we had a whip round the community and staff, and all of a sudden we had 20-30 mountain bikes, helmets and locks. What is really pleasing about this was that mostly these were all donated. Now, looking back it all seems so simple and ticks a lot of boxes:
· Students are mobile, particularly those who wouldn’t normally be able to afford a car
· Fitness and personal health are an excellent secondary outcome
· The bikes were often not being used and risked being dumped – very green recycling
· Car numbers are reduced
· The ‘feel good about Otago Polytechnic factor’ is huge
· There is no public transport in Cromwell – so it overcomes this hurdle
It’s all good with this initiative – and I’m sure the same concept could be applied to a lot of resources to help students.
For any further information send an email to alex.huffadine@op.ac.nz
‘Bikes on Campus’ is an initiative to get students mobile. All students who now arrive at the campus can get a bike, helmet and lock for a small refundable deposit. When we started the project we had a whip round the community and staff, and all of a sudden we had 20-30 mountain bikes, helmets and locks. What is really pleasing about this was that mostly these were all donated. Now, looking back it all seems so simple and ticks a lot of boxes:
· Students are mobile, particularly those who wouldn’t normally be able to afford a car
· Fitness and personal health are an excellent secondary outcome
· The bikes were often not being used and risked being dumped – very green recycling
· Car numbers are reduced
· The ‘feel good about Otago Polytechnic factor’ is huge
· There is no public transport in Cromwell – so it overcomes this hurdle
It’s all good with this initiative – and I’m sure the same concept could be applied to a lot of resources to help students.
For any further information send an email to alex.huffadine@op.ac.nz
Thanks Alex (and Jo)
ReplyDeleteThis is great to hear. Thanks for sharing this story. I thought I was going to be the first to post something on behalf of School of Social Services but no you bet me to it twice Jo. Good on you. I'll alert all champions to the updated blog and encourage the rest of them to sign up as an author.
Love to see some photos of the bikes in use! I believe you can just edit your post and put one on. Thanks again. Anna :)