"...my daughter asked me if we could shop for a bike for her because she noticed lots of bikes during her trip to MSU in Feb. ('05).  This morning, I typed "bikes" into the search box of the MSU website.  MSU just keeps getting better and better.  You have more resources (and much quicker responses) than any of the other schools she got accepted to -- including the "Ivies." She thoroughly enjoyed having a bike on campus.  Many of her classes were rather far from her dorm and having a bike was a great alternative to riding the bus - and was great exercise, too!

I think that you should share the Bike Project concept with other universities - just shows an additional way that MSU is on the "cutting edge" and is environmentally conscious!"

Pam Castellanos, New Jersey
(Parent of current MSU student who's been happily riding a green bike for 2 years)

Feb. ‘06

I wish to express my support of the MSU Bike Project and to use this opportunity to thank Tim Potter and Gus Gosselin for establishing this needed program.  I am a participant in the Bike Project and have enjoyed the use of my MSU bicycle to get around campus without having to use my car (weather permitting).  It has been a great chance to exercise and travel around campus without the hassles of moving my car and hunting for a parking spot.  I also realize that every time I use my MSU bike to travel to meetings, I am doing my part to help reduce the traffic and parking problems on campus.

I hope the University will increase their support of the MSU Bike Project and I wish you continued success with the program!

John Pedraza
Disabilities Resource Coordinator for Employees and Psychiatric Disabilities Specialist
Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities

Feb. ‘06

…we (the MSU Institute of Public Utilities) put on a two-week program each August, bringing in several hundred attendees from around the country and the world, over the course of the two-week period….

We first contacted the Bike Project in 2004, to find out whether renting/borrowing a few bikes for our attendees would be possible. The Bike Project was more than accommodating, and worked with me to line up 3 bikes, which were kept at the Kellogg Center (which is where the program is held) for the entire two-week period. Use was so heavy that there were often people waiting for bicycles to ride, so last year, in 2005, we borrowed 5 bikes, all of which were in good shape; they were heavily used, and appreciated, again.  

Our attendees typically do not have cars while here on campus…and need to get around either on foot, bus, or taxi. Offering them bikes to ride not only allowed our guests to get some exercise, but gave them an opportunity to see parts of campus and E. Lansing that they most likely would not have been able to see otherwise. The comments we received about providing this service … were all very positive, and we’re hoping to be able to continue to do the same at future programs.

Sue Carpenter
MSU Institute of Public Utilities

Feb. ‘06

Without any doubt, MSU Bike Project (BP) deserves appreciation for its fantastic job in providing bikes to students. i am an international student and could hardly afford to buy a new bike in the beginning. thanks to bike project that i have had a bike for more than a year and half now. i specially enjoyed riding the beautiful river trail for two summers in michigan. moreover it is convenient to use bike in summer on campus than a car as i live on campus. the volunteer staff does a great job by repairing and servicing the old bikes. i am lucky to have a TREK which is probably one of the finest bikes.

you will always have my vote!

Muhammad Farhan
Graduate Student, Dept of Electrical & Computer Engr.

Feb. ‘06

I think this is an excellent project that can allow faculty, staff and students to move efficiently around campus and avoid parking problems. I think it should be a part of the university system so that the bikes are in good shape when obtained and used thoughout the year.

Ewen C. D. Todd, Ph.D.
Director, National Food Safety & Toxicology Center

Feb. ‘06

The Bike Project is a good for the University and it constituents. It got me biking to work which is good exercise. It fits in with the long term University plan to reduce vehicle traffic and parking in central campus. It fits my budget because it is cheaper to "rent" a ten speed bike than to buy a new one. It could be a great way to "recycle" some of the bicycles impounded on campus each year after the students leave.

Bruce Gaugush
Information Technologist II, Administrative Information Services

Feb. ‘06

I have leased a MSU Bike Project bike for 2 years.  It was in great condition when I first leased it, and it has only needed one minor repair that the Bike Project staff was able to fix within minutes.  I'm looking forward to leasing it again this spring!  I really appreciate having a bike that I can leave on campus and never have to worry about it.

Heather Dover
Research Technician, Dept of Animal Science

Feb. ‘06

I had a very positive experience with the MSU Bike Project.  When I moved off campus in my Junior year, I was in need of transportation.  I contacted the director of the Project and within a week or two, they provided me with a quality bike that I used often.  Due to the expense of a bike, I  could not have purchased one new, or even used from the MSU surplus store to fix up.  The Bike Project answered my transportation needs, and in the process, motivated me to ride around (exercise) on my free time.  The experience allowed me to appreciate the grandeur of our campus as well as the Fall beauty.

Shanti Zaid
SENIOR, HISTORY

Feb. ‘06

The MSU Bike Project is one of the best programs that MSU has to offer. At other schools I've attended students who didn't have a car or money to buy a bike were really limited to transportation. The bike project has releaved a lot of that burden for me and many other students I know because bikes can be rented annually for a small donation. I was very excited to find out about this program at MSU.

May-Ling Castillo
MASTERS, AUD SPH SC 

Feb. ‘06

As one of students who got a bike from you last year, I am so glad to have a chance to write this letter. When I heard from my friend about this free bike service at MSU, I hardly believed the quality and service until I experienced. In particular, I could make the best use of it during last Summer semester. I had to park my car at Breslin Center and used the bike everyday to take a class at Erickson building,to work at Epply building and to study at a main library etc....
 
Without the bike, it must be very much time consuming by walking all the way. When there was some problem with my bike, I was quite impressed by your kind help and professional tools with your skill.

I remember as you are a volunteer and you were helping by sacrificing your lunch break time. As an international student, buying a bike is another big cost besides school tuition, living cost. So, I recommended this bike program to my friends who do not have a car particularly.

Once again, thank you for your wonderful job and keep working for students!

Kim, Mi Ran, Ph.D student
Community, Agriculture, Recreation & Resource Studies Department  

Feb. ‘06

I am very pleased to comment on the MSU Bike Project and the timely, friendly and efficient help of the volunteers. When I arrived nearly 2 years ago to MSU, a friend of mine introduced about the MSU bike project and the ease of getting a bike. Since then I have been happily using the bike. The quality of service provided is just great. The bike has been immense useful to me, as that was the primary transportation to school everyday. Moreover it also helps to maintain my body fit. I am very much satisfied with the service and I am sure it would be a lot helpful to international students and scholars like me. Hence I strongly support the project and am very much thankful to the authorities who patronize the project.

Dr. Malaisamy Ramamoorthy
Visiting Research Associate from India    

Feb. ‘06

I am very appreciative of the service provided by the Bike Project.  I would have been without a bike this year, or without whatever it costs to buy a new bike.  My friend who is here for 5 months from Germany has also been helped by the existence of the project, without it he would be walking everywhere!  He rides out to best buy 4-5 miles away from our house on MAC and Meijers.

Anthony Recca,
SENIOR, ELECTR EGR

Feb. ‘06

The MSU Bike Project is wonderful. I was able to get a good bike to use during the Fall semester. When I had a flat tire I took it in and they were able to fix it for me. I appreciate such a service on campus and hope that it continues.

Karin Rebnegger
ANP Graduate Student  

  Feb. ‘06

I am writing in support of the MSU bike project.  I heard about this from another faculty member (and avid biker).  I am a faculty member and PhD student currently.  I joined the project in the fall of 2005.  I cannot tell you how much I appreciate biking across campus for meetings and for classes.  This is so much more economical and time saving than trying to drive around and around looking for parking (even with a faculty sticker and gate card this can be an issue on N campus!).  The process to obtain a bike and lock was very organized.  I am looking forward for a bit of spring so I can pick up my bike again. This is an innovative, win-win program for all!

Susan Wehner, MSN
Nurse Practitioner, Department of Neurology/MSU  

Feb. ‘06

I enthusiastically signed up for a bike this past fall; I liked the online information and the ease of applying through the web. Unfortunately, I was turned off by the long lines for two weeks (maybe even three weeks) in a row during the limited pick-up hours.  I ended up buying my own bike at Wal-Mart for less than $50.  I ride as often as I can (live two miles from my office).  I think it is a wonderful program, and it would be more helpful if hours could be expanded during those initial pick-up weeks.

I am looking forward to coming in this Spring to learn more about how to maintain my bike and make minor repairs (have a couple in my garage purchased at the Surplus Store to be "fixed up").  I don't mind making donations, but funding of this project would be fantastic for all campus populations (fewer autos=easier parking, less exhaust/pollution).  I've recommended to many of our graduate students that they should "check out" a bike for the semester.  Hey, why doesn't the Alumni Evening College offer the maintenance and repair part as a class for those of us willing to pay for this knowledge!

Now, if we could just get sensible and safe bike paths :) throughout campus.  (You cannot feel safe on any campus roadway--even on those few with paths clearly marked--unfortunately, sidewalks seem to be the only option around most of campus.)  Also, it is almost impossible to chain your bike "legally" around this block's complex of science buildings as there are so many bikes literally piled one on top of the other each day. (Not applicable at this time of year.)

Donna McGarrell
Information Technology Staff, Biomedical Physical Sciences
 

Feb. ‘06

I just wanted to say bike project is awesome. It helps a lot of students get bikes that could not otherwise afford them. It has also been a great learning experience for me as well as a resource to work on my own biking projects. If there is one thing MSU needs its more bikes and fewer cars. For a campus only a few miles wide it’s usually faster to bike somewhere than drive. Bikes don’t pollute, and don’t make noise or smelly fumes. Bike paths are also far cheaper than roads and last longer, and best of all you can park a dozen bikes in the space it takes to park an SUV.

David Singer
Student

Feb. ‘06

I think your bike workshop is doing excellent PR job for MSU. As the MSU draws plenty of visitors for relatively short and fixed terms, it is very good to have possibility lease a bike for commuting as buying is not sensible for short periods. I personally have found the level of service really good and my opinion is that you should get larger workshop.

In the state of the union address, President Bush said that "addiction to oil should be removed"; what could be better than biking instead of driving SUV's?

Jussi & Kristiina Huikari
Vis Research Asc, Nat'l Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory
 

Feb. ‘06

The MSU bike project is a wonderful activity on campus.  I leased a bike for an year and enjoyed it. Biking in summer was real fun.  I also liked the interest you all took in repairing the bike if anything went wrong.  I really appreciate your initiative.

Amit Sharma
Research Assistant, Physics & Astronomy Department

Feb. ‘06

As a graduate student, I have a very small budget and the affordability and access to transportation my MSU bike project provides is of the utmost value and appreciation.  The bike is a practical means of transportation and I know having received it from the MSU bike project that it is safe to use and has been registered with DPPS on campus.  And realistically as a student I greatly depend on my bike and the access it provides me.  In addition as a student I cannot afford a new bike with a $200 price tag.  I especially like the idea that when I graduate I can give the bike back for someone else to use it.  Hence the bike project not only saves me money as a student but it can help other students as well.  My only words of encouragement would be if the bike project can some how advertise to students less likely to stop by the MSU bike project, such as students of color.  THANK YOU for all the volunteers and their time and amazing efforts.  

Gabriela Saenz
DOCTORAL, SOCIOLOGY

Feb. ‘06

I really appreciate, your work, it’s great that you can lease a bike.  I was very surprised about this possibility when I came to MSU, last year, I didn´t expect this in the USA (I´m from Germany). It´s OK when the bikes are not the best ones, but I would be happier if you are able to open the bike (repair) service more often.

Julius Schulze
Germany

Feb. ‘06

I just wanted to comment on the bike project. I received a bike from the bike project last fall; it was just what i was looking for, for the kind of price range i was looking for, and it was really helpful for me to have as a student at msu. The people at the bike project were totally helpful, and i just wanna say thanks lots

David Thomas
Student, HUMAN MED

Feb. ‘06

I just wanted to share with you how much I have enjoyed having a refurbished bike (and lock) thanks to the MSU Bike Project.  At a time when I do not have the discretionary income to purchase a new bike, and  am trying to work on a healthier lifestyle, it is a blessing.  I have found that having the bike in my garage is inspiration to hop on and ride.  Since I've had the bike I have lost 15 pounds, feel better and have more energy. It is also a great stress reliever for me, and creates quiet time and space to reflect on the day. 

Thank you for all of the work that you and your volunteers are putting into the project.  I heard that you are starting to add baskets to the bikes, and I could certainly use one, so I will be stopping in this spring!  Again, thanks for everything.

Janelle Jacobs
University Activities Office

Feb. ‘06

I would just like to voice (or type!) my support for the MSU Bike Project.  I've found the volunteers at the workshop helpful and efficient, and, on the occasion where unfortunately my bike was stolen, very understanding.  I wish the project every success in the future and would thoroughly recommend them for potential future funding to make it an official unit of the university.

Neville Millar
Visiting Researcher
Department of Plant Biology

Feb. ‘06

I really enjoyed the green bike that I got from bike project. Since it was very affordable with the winter storage facility and option to walk in for repair once a week, i really did not wait to get it. It is really a fun and healthy exercise to ride bike especially in summer. I almost used it every day in summer and it was only possible due to the enthusiasm of volunteers of bike project. If the project gets funding, I am sure it will be able to get more students as its clients which will help a greener campus dream.

Muhammad Ajmal Khan
DOCTORAL, ELECTR EGR

Feb. ‘06

I've leased a bike from the bike project for about a year and a half. Its great for getting around campus, especially during the summers, and I appreciate all that the bike project volunteers do. Looking at the number of bikes that are left unattended at the year end, and the trouble that everyone goes through to clear them up, supporting bike project will lead to less waste.

Ketan. Pradeep Pimparkar
DOCTORAL, CHEM EGR

Feb. ‘06

MSU Extension has had a bike through the Bike Project for one year now.  Our experience has been positive and I think having it funded in full or part by MSU is an outstanding idea.

The bike is used by faculty, staff and student employees to run errands and to go to meetings.  Of course, Michigan weather plays a part in how often the bike can be used, but not having to move your personal vehicle from the Agriculture Hall parking lot is a huge bonus.  Once you leave the spot you were lucky enough to find in the morning, you really don’t want to move again.

Terri Badgley
MSU Extension Director's Office

Feb. ‘06

The Bike Project is an incredible example of a group of committed people taking on a huge gap in an essential service for the community.  The bike project is a strong grassroots effort, a fantastic opportunity to build community and learning, and fits perfectly with MSU’s mission of sustainability. 

When you walk in to get your bike or service you are met with a lively friendly community of diverse characters who welcome you and provide excellent service and advice.  This program should be expanded and provided with greater resources simply to prove that MSU rewards innovation, sustainable projects, and building community.  I tell everyone I know to check out the Bike Project!

Meleia Egger
MASTERS, GEOGRAPHY

Feb. ‘06

I really loved having my bike first semester from the MSU Bike Project. The small donation that is required is definitely worth having a bike on campus. The people who volunteer at the shop are really friendly and helpful. I hope that the project remains a part of MSU in the future.

Jessica Doroshewitz
Eli Broad College of Business, Bid Department Intern, Gordon Food Service
Future Events Director, General Management Association
Student Assistant, Lear Center
Vice President of Education, MSU Speak Smart

Feb. ‘06

I have been remiss in not writing to thank you for all your help in my biking needs.  Because of my wrist/elbow/shoulder problems, a result of too much typing at my job, I have special needs for a bike and you were able to provide me with a bike that fits my requirements.  Last summer I was able to bike without pain to my arms and now I look forward to the warmer weather when I can once again be biking on the beautiful campus here at MSU.  We are fortunate to have a large and very "green" campus, good for the eyes and for the soul.  Of course it would be wonderful to have more bike lanes and paths, it would be great to have more resources for the Bike project so that more bikes could be available to those with limited ability to purchase and repair bikes.  Providing a means to "recycle" bikes and make them useable again is just another way for the MSU campus to be sustainable and "Green" not to mention your campus bikes that are painted green.  Good job and thank you again for your help with my special biking issues. 

Jeanne Drewes
Librarian, Main Library

Feb. ‘06

I visited MSU as a visiting researcher during the summer of 2004. The possibility to lease a bike easily via the Bike Project helped me greatly, allowing me to be independent on campus, go shopping in East Lansing, visit friends.  I think this association deserves the financial help of MSU.

Alice Devillers
Universit´e Libre de Bruxelles
D´epartement de Math´ematiques
Boulevard du Triomphe, Brussels, Belgium

Feb. ‘06

I just wanted to reply to your email to say that I think the Bike Project is a wonderful initiative. I am no longer at MSU, but I was an international student last semester and the bike that I leased from the Bike Project was such a huge help to me and reminded me of how much fun cycling is.

Claire Ditchburn

Feb. ‘06

I was very satisfied with my bike from you guys and would really support university funding... MSU bikes are good economical forms of transportation and are wayyyyy less likely to get stolen from the theives that roam our campus.  My bike is desperately in need of a tune up though, are u guys that busy around this time of year?

Evan Detone
JUNIOR, MECH EGR

Feb. ‘06

I am writing to support the MSU Bike Project and the possibility of MSU funding this organization. I have been a graduate student here at MSU for the past 2 years, during which I made use of the services offered by the Bike Project.

From the beginning of my studies, it became clear to me that automotive transportation through campus is not efficient due to traffic and parking restrictions. However, walking distances within campus can also be very time consuming. For me, biking on campus turned to be the solution to be able to arrive on time to classes and meetings, without spending to much time moving from one place to another. As I was soon to learn, bikes also need maintenance: air pump, flat tires, brakes, oil in chains, etc. The MSU Bike Project has repeatedly helped me on this regard. The diligence, seriousness and responsibility of these volunteers in the service they offer is admirable. This has not gone unnoticed by the student community and more and more of my fellows have started to use their services, either through bike rental or maintenance requests. During last Spring, however, I noticed that the Bike Project was overwhelmed by the demand, which clearly indicates a niche for these organization in the MSU Community.

I would like to strongly support the MSU Bike Project and potential MSU funding for this organization. I find their services very useful and I think many students benefit from their activities. Financial funding from MSU would allow the MSU Bike Project to continue to offer these services to student.

Nora Maria Bello
Graduate Student
Reproductive Physiology, Dept of Animal Science

"We leased a bike on August 16 ('05), and it has been very useful to our department already!!  It saves us a lot of commuting time on campus and has helped us with the parking problems caused by the parking ramp construction."   
 
Lo Ann Howe
Olin Health Center, Health Education Services

"I enjoyed riding (my Bike Project) bike this year ('04). It is the best and easiest way to get around on campus."

Takayuki Mochizuki
Visiting scholar from Japan

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"Biking on campus was not only a beautiful experience, it was a life saver. I came to MSU in January 2004, and heard about the Bike Project in mid-April. ... I got a pretty decent bike and a sturdy lock, just for a deposit for 20 bucks - to use till the end of October. Moving freely from one side of the campus to the other, without having to wait at the CATA bus stop was a big relief. I stay on S. Hagadorn, have most of my classes in the Ag. Eng. Bldg. and work part time at the Eng. & Arch. Dept., in the Physical Plant. Commuting between these places on foot was a healthy option, but time was always a big factor. So if you'd really wanna be in time for your classes and work, and also catch up on that snack from the International Center - go biking at MSU!"

Puneet Narang
Construction Management Program

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"I love the bike you fixed up for me. It definitely makes getting to and from school and around campus far more enjoyable."

Sarah Toas
Zoology Dept Graduate Student

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"I got access to a maintained registered bike and quality lock at a very reasonable price. I've used bikes from home (one was destroyed), what a big pain to transport! This winter I don't have to find a place for winter storage and, most of all, it was a fast way to get around campus - and fun too!"

Nancy Aitcheson
Ag. Engineering