Office of Sustainability| History of Green Bikes

History

The program was started in Fall of 2010 by Ben Abbot and Michela Swanson, two graduate students who submitted a funding proposal to the new RISE (Review of Infrastructure, Sustainability and Energy) Board. Spring of 2011 three mechanics were hired and trained, and with the support and supervision of Outdoor Adventures, the program exploded in growth from then on. We started with a meager twenty bikes in our fleet and only offered rentals as part of the program.

Currently we have sixty bikes in our fleet, offer regular clinics and mechanic office hours, host bike film screenings, and are working with local officials to promote a safer envornment for cyclists. We also are working with Outdoor Adventures to offer guided bike trips around Alaska.

We look forward for continued growth within the community by working with local bike shops and groups to offer our help with community events, including Bike to Work Week and Earth Day.

Our Goals

The purpose of the Green Bike Sustainability Program is to educate and empower students while promoting bicycle use on campus. Through this cause, we maintain a fleet of free bicycle rentals for students, clincis covering mechanic and riding skills, and are a hub for cycling advocacy and outreach on campus.

We Need Used Bikes!

If you have an extra bike laying around and are interested in donating it to the program, please contact us. Please keep in mind that we do need to be selective about the bikes we take in, as each requires time from a mechanic and parts to make it approrpiate for checkouts to students