Issue date: 2/13/08 Section: Opinion

With ever-increasing distances and only ten minutes between classes, some students simply can't get across campus fast enough on foot.

As the University works to develop the Postal Lands, Penn students need new ways to get around campus and Philadelphia. PennBikeShare could be the answer.

Recently proposed by several Engineering seniors, the program would let students rent bicycles at five different hubs around campus.

But to become a reality, PennBikeShare needs some start-up funding.

That's where the University can help.

With enough hubs around Penn - possibly more than the five suggested - a bike-share program could reduce both foot traffic on Locust and class disruption created when students arrive late from obligations across campus. In nicer weather, the program could also encourage students to bike into Center City or West Philly, potentially avoiding environmentally unfriendly taxi rides and problems of bicycle storage.

As Philadelphia considers instituting a bike-share program similar to those in Paris and Lyon, Penn can serve as an example by showing off the possibilities of such a venture.

By encouraging general bicycle use and ensuring convenience and affordability, the University can affirm its commitment to sustainability and campus accessibility.

After all, two wheels are better than four.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools