Big Red Bikes to celebrate expansion

WKU’s Big Red Bikes program will celebrate its workshop expansion at 3 p.m. Feb. 18 in the lobby of Facilities Management.

The celebration will include cake, ice cream, an appearance from Big Red, and a free workshop on bicycle maintenance.

The program’s expansion was made possible by the Paula Nye Memorial Education Grant from the Kentucky Bicycle and Bikeways Commission with funds generated from the “Share the Road” license places. The grant application was written by WKU senior Nick Asher, who coordinates the bike share program.

The grant will assist the Big Red Bikes program in purchasing tools, parts and materials to expand its fleet and services and increase bicycle use and awareness at WKU.

Asher said the expansion of the program, which is run by students with guidance by WKU’s Office of Sustainability, shows WKU’s commitment to sustainability and highlights the ability of students to make a difference in their campus and community.

The Big Red Bikes program at WKU owes its success to many supporters, including GreenToppers, Student Government Association, Parking and Transportation Services, the Parent’s Advisory Council, Environment, Health and Safety, the Department of Facilities Management, Restaurant and Catering Services, and the Outdoor Recreation Activities Center (ORAC) bike shop. The program reduces the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by WKU, eases the current burden on parking and transportation services, and gives students a way to reduce their carbon footprint without a monetary investment.

Big Red Bikes was founded by students in 2007 and loans bicycles to students, staff and faculty at WKU at no cost. Due to popularity, students often have to put their name on a waiting list to check out a bike. The workshop expansion will help in better serving the demand for bikes.

Contact: Nick Asher, (270) 312-5928.