At the University of Miami, many students are turning to cycling as a way to quickly navigate their way to class.
According to the UM’s Department of Parking and Transportation, the University of Miami Police Department (UMPD) registers more than 1,000 new bicycles each year. The Department of Parking and Transportation and UBike also actively promotes the use of bicycling as an alternative means of transportation.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, as part of the Green U initiative, Parking and Transportation and UBike, along with UMPD, Dolphins Cycling Challenge, Mack Cycle and Fitness, and BikeSafe, will be holding the UBike Bike Sale and Safety Fair on the Rock.
“The fair aims to provide the University community with access to good quality bikes, road safety education and information, and community events like the Dolphins Cycling Challenge and Gables Bike Day,” said Richard Sobaram, director of parking and transportation and chairperson of UBike.
Mack Cycle and Fitness will be the only store at the fair. According to Sue Kawalerski, who handles cycling advocacy and media for Mack Cycle and Fitness, there will be a range of bicycles on sale, with prices starting at $199. Discount prices will be offered, however, with some original prices shedding 70 percent.
“It will be one-stop-shopping for students,” Kawalerski said. “All the necessary equipment and accessories will be available for sale so the student will be ready to ride well and safely right after the purchase.”
Besides having bicycles for sale, road safety and community awareness also play a huge part in the fair. UMPD will be on site to help students register their new bicycles. UMPD will also be providing students with free locks for their new bikes.
Sobaram encourages students to register their bicycles with the UMPD in order to strengthen campus security.
“In order to ensure the best security on campus, it is critical that cyclists register their bikes with UMPD,” Sobaram said.
For students interested in participating in philanthropic events, Dolphins Cycling Challenge, a charity cycling event, and UBike will be at the fair from 11 p.m. to 2 p.m. to promote community events that student cyclists can register for and participate.
“We’re trying to solicit more student riders,” said Michael Mandich, the CEO of Dolphin’s Cycling Challenge. “Over the last 2 years, we’ve raised more than $1.6 million for the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. Students can get involved with our student special, and participate without having to be limited by the fundraising minimum.”
If You Go:
What: UBike Bike Sale and Safety Fair
Where: UC Rock
When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sept. 4 and 5
For more information, visit the UBike website at miami.edu/ubike.