Ripon College Days

Issue date: 4/29/09 Section: News

Deadlier than it looks. This bicycle ran over five kittens and three puppies. It was rewarded by having its picture appear here.

Following a successful first year, the Ripon Velorution Program will roll into its second year next fall.

As long as students sign the agreement not to bring a car their first year at Ripon, the class of 2013 will be proud recipients of the 2009 Cannondale F7 bike complete with Ripon College logos.

"Trying to make a switch from students bringing cars to bringing bikes is something near and dear to the president's heart," says Ric Damm.

First year students participating in the program have kept up their part of the pledge this year and many plan to ride on two wheels instead of four next year.

"The majority of the students [who received bikes from the college] who answered the survey stated they will not bring a car to campus next fall," says Damm.

The 65 survey responses to the program stated it was a very positive addition to their first year.

The program is adding a new spin this year, switching from Trek mountain bikes to the new Cannondale recreational bike.

"Cannondale approached us. They heard of the program and came to us and said they'd like to be involved in this," says Damm. "They are doing a custom color and paint scheme with our logo on it."

The bike will be better for the majority of students who just use their bikes to run errands or to run to the grocery store on the other side of town. Along with the bike, students will be receiving supplies to assist with their cycling needs.

"We, again, are providing locks and lights," says Damm. "A majority of the students use their locks regularly, with good reason. We're getting the locks for free this year from Planet Bike."

Another change with the incoming class is that they will be responsible for their safety, too.

"We are not giving helmets away," says Damm. "The president is adamant that if you want a bike, you have to show proof that you have a helmet. We are purchasing 200 Ripon College helmets that a company is doing for us."

Some changes are being made to the bikes to avoid problems with this year's models.

"This year we're hopefully correcting the problem with the quick-release seat posts, because you could just pull out the seat," says Damm. "The seat posts will be bolted on."

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