October, 2007 An Evaluation of the Bike Parking facilities

(For a beter map, suitable for printing, in a .pdf file format: CLICK HERE  )
Bike Map from G & ES Dept

THANKS to David Ruben and Gary Brian of Facilities Management and Kevin Connelly of Public Safety for appearing at our Sept. 25th meeting to discuss bicycle parking on campus and supplying the map and link above.

In an email shortly after the meeting, David Ruben said:

One thing Facilities Management can do very soon is include bike rack locations on brand new “you-are-here” kiosks that are going up on campus soon.  This will, hopefully, direct cyclists to lesser known racks.  As we discussed, other items we will try to explore are:

-                      possibility of bike racks under the Classroom Building Canopy

-                      possibility of bike racks in the Parking Facility

-                      feasibility of posting bike rack map with parking instructions at each bike rack

-                      fund sites, including using the new Green Fee funds

 

We look forward to receiving any data that you collect regarding how full the racks are at peak times of the day.  Furthermore, I do hope you put together a survey, with one of the questions being whether cyclists would be willing to pay a nominal fee to park in the Parking Facility.



In the past, Northeastern has experienced major parking availability problems. With the addition of the school's new parking facility, things have gotten better. But many students cannot afford hundreds of dollars each year to park in the new complex or any other lots on campus.

Add in rising gas prices and congested traffic patterns, and driving to school can become a frustrating and costly experience. Given all these factors, more and more students are taking to an affordable and environmentally friendly form of transportation: the bicycle. .
Getting to class hot and sweaty from a long ride, or having to carry extra gear on top of a full load of books discourages most would-be riders. Arriving 15 minutes before class provides sufficient time to wash up, cool down and enjoy something to drink. Also, for a five dollar refundable deposit and five dollars a semester, a locker can be rented at the information center in the Village Square. Lockers are ideal for storing gear, books, a change of clothes or a bag.

Some people may be hesitant to leave their bikes unattended while they are in class.

According to a safety and security information report released by the public safety office, there was only one case of robbery on campus from 2001 to 2004. So there is no need to worry too much; Northeastern is a safe, bike-friendly school. There are plenty of bike racks around the campus and most of them are situated in brightly lit areas.

However, do not be too relaxed about securing your bike. A simple u-lock purchased at any sporting goods store will deter most thieves. Locking your frame and front wheel to the rack will guarantee that your bike will stay where you left it.

Biking to school has many advantages that driving does not offer. It saves hundreds of dollars on parking fees and gas. In traffic jams, you will get to school in half the time it takes in a car. It is also a great way to meet other students who bike to school. More importantly, it is healthier for the individual and the environment. Give it a try-leave your car at home and ride your bike to school. Safe riding. See you on the bike path.
Rolando Ithier III
Staff Write
NEIU Independent
June 28, 2006
Shamelessly used without permission