Southern Miss Plans Campus Bike Loan Program

Getting a free ride at The University of Southern Mississippi this fall might take on a whole new meaning with a new program planned to encourage bike riding on campus. 

The President's Office, together with the Student Government Association, is heading up the initiative that is tentatively named Eagle Bikes. The aim of the effort is to provide bicycles for faculty, staff and students to use, then leave them behind for the next rider. The bicycles will be painted the same, bright color for easy identification.  

"Our goal with the program is to encourage the campus community to use a more environmentally friendly form of transportation and get exercise at the same time," said President Martha Saunders. "It is one more thing we can do to create a climate of healthy bodies and healthy minds at Southern Miss."

This initiative is not new to Saunders as a similar program was implemented at her previous institution, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. While other universities like Stanford and the University of California-Davis have established bicycle programs,  Southern Miss aims to be the first university or college in Mississippi to do it.

Student Government Association President Melissa Cirino has discussed the idea with Dr. Saunders and believes students will rally around the program. "I'm excited about this because it's a simple, inexpensive way to encourage healthy choices," said Cirino. 

While details are still being finalized, the program will also get help from the University Police Department and the School of Social Work's Family Network Partnership.

University Police Chief Bob Hopkins says the program has great potential.  "As our parking moves more toward the periphery of campus, giving students, faculty and staff other options to get around on campus is a win-win opportunity," said Hopkins. "Getting more people on bicycles also goes hand-in-hand with our goal of having a healthier campus."

Saunders envisions that the program bikes can be refurbished with the help of the Family Network Partnership's bicycle repair shop in Hattiesburg. 

"We're excited about the idea and the prospect of more bicycles on campus and being a part of an alternative to gasoline," said Dr. Tim Rehner, interim director for the School of Social Work. "This opportunity is a part of encouraging wellness among students, staff and faculty. It also is a great opportunity for the children of our FNP program, to be a part of a big project like this."

The Family Network Partnership is a community service agency sponsored by the School of Social Work and was founded by Rehner and Dr. Mike Forster, College of Health interim dean. The after-school program provides educational, recreational and cultural activities for at-risk youth in east Hattiesburg and includes a bike repair shop, pottery class and computer workshop.