Jonathan, Although I agree in principle with the concept of a bike library, it's effectiveness depends on having other things in place first.

1) Secure, accessible parking

2) Educated cyclists

If you implement it by giving bikes to undisciplined cyclists from a central location you may do more harm than good. I think our highest priority should be to educate cyclists and motorists (and pedestrians) how to share the roads safely. Then act to get secure parking, then make bikes freely available. (in that order)

But I might be wrong. Anyone else? Nick

---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- From: Jonathan Rosenbaum freesource@cheat.org Date: Tue, 28 Aug 2007 00:51:08 -0400

I have always strongly held that if we really want to make a significant change here in Morgantown we need to target WVU. While community bike programs in the United States (vs Europe) are often riddled with vandalism and theft issues, this blog at AASHE - http://www.aashe.net/staffblog/campus-culture/community-yellow-bike-programs

• claims the Bicycle Library -

http://www.uky.edu/HR/wellness/wildcatwheels.html - at the University of Kentucky is set-up in a way that avoids these problems via a check-out system with accountability.

Now that WVU is back in session this may be an interesting approach to bring to the awareness of the SGA. What do you all think?

Jonathan

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