Tuesday, February 22, 2011
WeCar brings sustainable car sharing program to Mizzou's campus
A sustainable car sharing program started this fall at Mizzou.
Did you know that a shared vehicle can remove 15 – 20 cars off the road? WeCar sharing offers an economical, convenient and environmentally friendly transportation alternative to owning a car.
WeCar offers students, faculty and staff freedom and mobility without the hassles of owning a car. Two hybrid vehicles and two sedans are available and conveniently located on the MU campus. Membership is $35 annually and reservations can be made online. Hourly weekday rates for sedans are $8 per hour and hybrids start at $9 per hour. Customers who are 18 -20 years of age are eligible to use this service but must have their own insurance.
“Bringing WeCar to Mizzou will provide an important service to our students, especially those who are on-campus residents, and will allow them the freedom to go grocery shopping, run errands, etc.” said Dr. Jeff Zeilenga, Asst. Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs. “This program also supports MU’s sustainability initiatives to reduce our carbon footprint, as well as relieve congestion and parking demand on campus.”
I don't know anyone personally who has used the car sharing program, but it seems like a good choice for students who need to travel a long distance. Walking or riding a bike is always a good choice for getting around on campus but going further distances can sometimes be a challenge. This alternative method provides students the option to use a car only when they need one, without the temptation of using one all the time for close destinations.
What do you think of the new program? Do you know anyone who has used WeCar?
Monday, February 21, 2011
A Masterpiece in the Making
Hmmm what’s new in my life? Oh, I know – I’m working on a documentary featuring PedNet! I have to create a 15-minute film for my senior capstone class by the end of the semester. With so much going on at PedNet, I knew there was bound to be an inspirational story that I could document. So far I’ve been following a couple Bike Club groups. Watching the ‘Move Ahead Bike Club’ kids was a neat experience. The looks on their faces once they got the hang of riding their bikes were priceless. The kids are also working on floats for the True/False film festival parade. I am going to let the direction of the documentary be pretty flexible at this point. Hopefully after getting more footage I’ll be able to start piecing together a masterpiece!
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Bike Friendly Businesses Get My Patronage
In the immortal words of the Spokes Man:
"Being bicycle-friendly is beneficial for a business. It frees up parking spaces, has proved to reduce employee absenteeism, and it’s chic to be considered an environmentally friendly business. It’s also the right thing to do. Take the time to make sure your workplace is recognized for doing the right thing, and be sure to visit these businesses that already have been recognized."
Monday, February 7, 2011
Refreshing my mornings
Every morning for the past week I have started my day doing yoga. I usually like to take a walk around my neighborhood, but the snowy weather has made that a little more difficult. Having been cooped up in my apartment during the snowstorm, I had to make sure I was staying active. But I have to say, doing 30 minutes of yoga every morning has been very refreshing.
There are so many benefits to yoga. Better posture, increased strength and flexibility, improved balance, and an overall happier mood are just some. I’ve found that starting my day with a clear mind helps me to stay focused and more energized for school and other activities.
Furthermore, just doing something in the morning before work, school, or any other activities you have going on can be beneficial. As the weather gets nicer (give it a month…or two :) ), getting outside for a walk, run, or bike ride can be a small key to a healthier lifestyle. There is nothing better than fresh air and a little vitamin D.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Walking is Grrrrreat!
For those of you who don't currently walk or bike to your end destination, this is why I enjoy it. I live in downtown Columbia and I find that the mile walk to campus each day is exactly what I need: no matter what the weather is like outside. Here is what walking to class helps me to do before I start my day:
--Clears my head
--Releases some energy before I have to sit down for an hour +
--Saves money/hassle of driving
--Gives me some alone time
--I can think, zone out, or plan my day all on a walk
--If the weather is nice, I get to enjoy it even if my day is really busy!
The reason why I encourage YOU to look into the PedNet Coalition a little more is because their mission is unique and important! They offer numerous opportunities to get outdoors and become more physically fit.
Think about it....
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Alternative Travel
I didn't want to attempt to get my vehicle out because, although my driveway is perfectly clean, it is clearly a "road to nowhere" and I didn't want to end up like this guy.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
New Course from PedNet: Bicycle Mechanics College
I’m currently working on an article for PedNet’s monthly newsletter. It’s about a new program called Bicycle Mechanics College. It is an 8-week course being taught at Walt’s Bicycle Fitness and Nature on Wednesday evenings in March and April. If you are someone like me, Bicycle Mechanics College would be a great way to learn all about bikes. I know I could definitely benefit from all the course has to offer. Here are the weekly topics:
- Week 1: Basic maintenance and repairs
- Week 2: Tires, rims and fixing flats
- Week 3: Hubs, bearing and bottom brackets
- Week 4: Wheels and truing
- Week 5: Drive Train – cranks, chains, cogs, cassettes, chain rings
- Week 6: Shifters and derailleurs
- Week 7: Brakes
- Week 8: Bike fit, ergonomics, control and speed
In 8 weeks, you certainly learn a lot. Trained professional League Cycling Instructors (LCI) teach the course too. Bicycle Mechanics College originally started in Santa Barbara, CA before the idea started to gain popularity at PedNet. For only $150, you can register for the whole program. I highly suggest anyone looking to advance/gain knowledge with bikes secure a spot quickly. This class is bound to be popular and great fun!
How to winterize your bike commute
While snowed in these past couple of days thanks to the great snowpocalypse of 2011, I stumbled across some great tips on how to winterize your bike ride. Although it may still be a couple days until Columbia clears the streets where you ride, keep these helpful hints in mind!
First up: A short video from Streetfilms. The video profiles riders in Chicago who face harsh winters but see the benefits in riding year round. Shows tips about warm clothing, proper bike maintenance and the winter mentality shared by Chicago riders. Check it out here: http://www.good.is/post/video-how-to-winterize-yourself-for-a-bike-commute/
Next: A place to share your winter biking tips! GOOD has created a forum to share tips, stories and advice with others who also bike through the many seasons. Read what others have to say and share your own advice! http://www.good.is/post/share-your-winter-biking-tips/
Are you planning on venturing out into the snowy abyss anytime soon? Remember stay warm and safe out there!
-PedNet Communications Intern
Rachel
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
"want to ride 'rents say too cold:( c u!"
When we arrived at the bike racks, I said "Wow! Do you guys even realize how amazing you are?! It's 27 degrees and you just rode your bikes to school. You are so awesome!"
Now, it is February 1 and five kids are still riding their bikes to Smithton and three kids are riding their bikes to Lee Elementary daily....through snow, rain and extreme cold. On days when the weather is especially harsh, some kids are not allowed to ride. When this happens, I invariably receive texts like this: "want 2 ride 'rents say 2 cold :( c u!" These texts give me a smile and a chuckle. I absolutely understand and respect parents concerns for their children and not wanting them to ride when it is too cold. I just find it sweet and funny that the kids want me to know that they want to ride.
I am very lucky. I honestly can not think of a better way to begin and end my days than riding bik with kids. They are amazing and inspire me daily.
PedNet in the news
Note the cinematography on that video. Robert said that the person holding the camera complained about the bitter cold the whole time but I don't remember it that way at all...
The Trib also ran a news story about BWWW Funding. That's Bike Walk & Wheel Week for you novices to Columbia or the PedNet world. No matter, we are still going to have a killer week with fun rides, educational classes, and all the free breakfast you can ride your bike or walk to. Anybody for trying to hit all of the stations this year?