A yearly tradition since 2008, this day encourages and incentivizes students and staff to bike to Mason…
By Angelique Arintok, Staff Writer
On April 17, Mason Parking & Transportation hosted Bike to Mason Day in collaboration with the Office of Sustainability. The event was set during Earth month as a way to celebrate those who bike to Mason for work or for school. Free food, snacks and giveaways were presented to those who rode their bike to campus on Tuesday.
Bike to Mason Day 2018 was not only a way to celebrate those who already bike, but also an encouraging mechanism for students and staff to do so in lieu of other forms of transportation.
Janet Walker, transportation programs manager for Mason Parking and Transportation, was there to facilitate the event. Walker went onto say that even biking once or twice a week can help develop environmental consciousness among students and staff.
Walker also announced a new bikeshare program that will be available to Mason students later this year. Encouraging students to ride a bike to local destinations, the bikeshare will soon be available at the Recreation and Athletic Complex (RAC) along with a locks and helmets.
With Walker’s introduction of the bikeshare—Josh Cantor, director of Mason Parking and Transportation, said the upcoming program is a re-installment on campus with inspiration from VCU RamBikes at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond.
“We always learn a lot from our counterparts statewide and nationally,” said Cantor.
Bike to Mason Day started in 2008, and is “part of [their] year-round efforts to offer alternative transportation,” said Cantor. Besides bikes, students are equipped with resources such as Zipcars and Mason Shuttles.
If a student finds themselves with a bike and wanting to hop onto a shuttle, Mike Poindexter, supervisor for Mason Shuttles, provided quick demonstrations on how to attach a bike onto the drop-down mechanism located in the front of all shuttle services. With two slots available on
each vehicle, students and staff have the opportunity of freely travelling in the Fairfax County area with minimal hassle.
Also featured at the event were free bike checks, repairs and demonstrations hosted by velofix Northern Virginia. This mobile bike shop is a convenient service offered in the region. With just a touch of a button, anyone in need of bike-related aid is accommodated.
Having a bike on campus is made easier with assistance of Mason Parking and Transportation. Registration of a bike free to Mason students. A free bike lock will be provided upon registration. Although registration is not required for those who park in the 1,300 slots on campus, doing so validates contribution in reducing one’s carbon footprint.
Photos by Angelique Arintok
