image by Wayne Armstrong, copyright 2009 Denver UniversityIt's always great to see how sustainable practices are promoted at other universities around the country. This week, the following headline caught my interest:
"U. of Denver Students Start Bike Program With the City"
So I followed the link to the USA Today article and read about how 2 students in Denver helped attract funding ($50,000) and support for a bike-sharing program. 600 bikes will soon be available at 40 kiosks around town. 2 of those kiosks will be on the university's campus.
What makes this story unique is more than just the student involvement, it is also the city's response. It looks like Denver is also making a strong commitment to sustainability. There stated goal is to have "10% of the total commuter population on bikes in 10 years." Pretty cool, huh?!
Almost reminds me of another town/university combination here on the East Coast. A town and university that came together in 2006 to become the first town-gown partners in the country to commit to reducing greenhouse gas emissions 60% by 2050. A town and university that partner to offer a free mass transit system that is among the highest per capita bus ridership in the country. A town and university that work together to facilitate sustainable development and a greener future for all state residents.
Any guesses what town/university combination I'm thinking of?
Yup, Chapel Hill and Carolina!
Now if only we had a bike sharing program on campus...
