New York Times' story on UNE's free freshman bike program among top 10 emailed Times' stories
A New York Times story on the University of New England's free freshman bike alternative transportation program was among the top 10 emailed Times stories of the day and was also highlighted on The Huffington Post, as well as dozens of other biking, college and green websites.
The goal of the UNE's unique free bike and Zipcar program is to reduce the number of vehicles on campus and UNE’s carbon footprint.
Believed to be the most comprehensive program of its kind in the country, UNE is offering free bicycles or free Zipcar usage to incoming freshmen who opt to leave their cars at home; the program also provides expanded free downtown shuttle service and discounted taxi or limo service on the Biddeford campus, and free taxi vouchers to students at the Portland campus.
UNE’s alternative transportation program is a collaborative initiative developed by the UNE Office of Student Affairs and Office of Safety and Security.
Sustainability
UNE's Biddeford campus serves about 1,800 students, with close to 1,200 in residence. Enrollment is strong, and construction of several new buildings is under way. The construction, together with UNE’s commitment to environmental sustainability, led to a creative solution to an immediate challenge.
Most of UNE’s Biddeford residential students bring cars to campus. The university lost critical parking spaces due to the construction and was faced with the unattractive prospect of laying asphalt for additional parking. UNE’s challenge was to change the culture and motivate students to choose alternative transportation by providing attractive and convenient access to off-campus destinations, and thereby reduce the demand for parking spaces.
To discourage incoming resident freshman from bringing cars to campus, UNE increased the parking permit fee to $300 (upperclassmen pay $90). Resident freshman who agreed to leave their cars at home were given an attractive alternative - either a brand-new Gary Fisher Tiburon bicycle, Bell helmet and lock (to keep), or access to two Zipcars on campus, with a gift card for 28 free hours of use, and just $7 per hour thereafter. Zipcar is a national car-sharing service that offers cars by the hour or day; UNE has two Honda CR-V Zipcars conveniently located on campus.
Expanded Shuttle Service
The university has also expanded free shuttle service to the downtown area, and offers discounted limo or taxi service though the Campus Center. Bike barns and racks are available across campus. UNE’s Portland incoming resident students also have the bike option; though Zipcar is not yet available in Portland, these students may choose 20 free $10 taxi vouchers, instead.
Response from incoming freshmen exceeded expectations – well over 100 students signed up for the bicycle option and dozens for the Zipcar, and registration is still under way. Initial response has been so successful that UNE is considering expanding the program. UNE has addressed its immediate parking issue, and there are fewer cars and a very active bike presence on campus. On-site bike tune-ups will be offered to students several times in September.