Bike Month looks to impact environment, student health and wellness

Sept. 21, 2015

Rachel Librach
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In Amsterdam, most people ride their bikes to work and school because it’s too expensive to own a car.

In the United States, people drive to work and school. During the annual Bike Month at UCCS, the Office of Sustainability wants to bring events and competitions for those who do enjoy biking.

The goal of Bike Month is to bring attention to sustainability as well as personal health and wellness.

During this month, students, faculty and staff can compete for prizes in bike races and form commitments to improving their health and the environment’s health by bicycling instead of driving to work.

“The strength of this community can be measured by the willingness of students to join together and push one another toward accomplishing their goals,” said Kevin Gilford, assistant director for the Office of Sustainability.

“That’s what we see here during Bike Month, students who want to make a difference in their community by sharing what they feel passionate about.”

The Sustainability Office is one of the co-sponsors for Bike Month who try to promote healthier lifestyles for students and bring an educational element to the contests.

“There are numerous benefits to cycling,” Gilford said. “For instance, the more people ride their bikes to school, the less pollution they are giving off in car fumes, reducing the environmental impact of automobile transportation.”

Gilford said Bike Month also promotes healthy living.

“Students are participating in healthier activities that stimulate their brain and body and focus their energies on productive activities that, in the long run, greatly contribute to their own health and wellness,” he said.

Bike Month also gives students the opportunity to meet other people who share similar interests and passions, according to Gilford.

“This is such a great way for students to connect with each other and the nature around them,” he said. “This is a chance to learn about alternative forms of transportation, the benefits of bicycling and the interests of your fellow classmates.”

The next Bike Month event is “Beat the Hill” on Sept. 24 from 7-9:30 a.m., which features a bike race from Lot 573 to the Clyde’s statue at the University Center Lower Plaza. Prizes will be given to the winners, and bikers will be treated to a bagel breakfast after the ride.

The “Clean Bike Ride” takes place on Oct. 2 from 2-6 p.m., starting at the S.O.L.E. Center at the Rec Center. Students are taken on a tour of local creekside trails and areas along the Pikes Peak Greenway. Participants will help clean the environment by picking up and disposing of trash along the trail.

Bike Month concludes with the finale on Oct. 8 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m on the West Lawn.

For more information about Bike Month, check out http://www.uccs.edu/sustain/get-involved-programs/bikemonth-and-pedal-perks.html.