My smart-alecky friend cc'd me (see below his signature line) on his
response to the news about Ripon College's offer of free bikes to
students who 'say no to cars.'
What a hoot! This is good progress, I'd say!
-Mike
***********************************
Envelope-to: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Date: Wed, 13 Feb 2008 19:03:01 -0600
From: Daniel J Sebald <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
X-Accept-Language: en-us, en
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
CC: [EMAIL PROTECTED], "Michael D. Barrett" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: Velorution
Feb 13, 1:54 PM EST
Tiny Wis. college offers bicycles to new students who shun cars
RIPON, Wis. (AP) -- Just say no to cars - and get a free bicycle for
better health and cleaner air.
http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/W/WI_FREE_BIKES_WIOL-?SITE=WIMAD&SECTION=HOME
http://www.ripon.edu/velorution/president.html
Good for Ripon College, President Joyce! I wish cycling was the
prevailing thought at UW-Madison, where I attended grad school (many
years). Although there is a fair amount of cycling on campus, there
was/is a constant battle with parking ramp proposals in Madison.
Another company that might be interested in your program and shares
the philosophy you expressed is Breezer, i.e., Joe Breeze. The urban
campus was one of his initial targets when he first introduced his
line of bikes and he struggled with ways to capture the market's
attention. The bikes are a bit pricey though, so you'd need some
kind of discount/coupon program.
I'm going to guess the Trek 820 frame isn't made in the U.S.
Unfortunately, Trek moved away from domestic production (other than
high end road bikes) with the demise of the 730/750 hybrid, which at
the time Trek was proud of making available in the price range of
$350-$400.
To be successful, your program will need good bicycles, good bike
racks and good maintenance. So you may want to ensure one or two
bike shops find their way near campus with an inviting atmosphere for
students.
Best of luck,
Dan Sebald
Arlington Heights, IL
cc: Media Relations
Urban Thoreau (Madison)
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