Commonwealth Times

Issue date: 4/16/07 Section: News

Media Credit: Bethany Emerson

As the summer approaches, bringing warm weather and long days, transportation for students has rolled in a new look.

Although many students still commute by car, some are choosing the transit services or are filling the sidewalks with an array of wheels - from Rollerblade and scooters to bikes and skateboards.

Pedestrians have noticed the influx of students biking and skating around campus.

Emma Minor, manager of parking and transportation services, said this is because of the daylight-saving time.

"The Great Bike Round Up," on Wednesday, April 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Commons Plaza will offer students free bike tune-ups and information.

"I really think daylight-saving time and warmer weather really drives people to alternate forms of transportation, because the days stay lighter longer," she said.

Minor said although the most popular student mode of transportation on an urban campus is walking, there are many in-line skates and skateboards.

Doug Webster, a political science senior, said his scooter is a way to save money on transportation costs.

"It's a great mode of transport if you do not have a car or insurance, because you do not need insurance for a scooter," Webster said. "I fill mine up with gas once a month, roughly. In this time of conservation and high fuel prices, it's a great alternative to driving."

Students find alternative means of transportation make commuting more efficient.

To register your bike or other vehicle, go to www.vcu.edu/police and click on "bike registration" to access the registration form.

"I spent a couple of years working as a lobbyist at a small firm downtown, and I had to park my car in Shockoe Bottom, which made for a brutal walk in the dead of winter," Webster said. "After getting the scooter, I could park right in front of my office, which saved a lot of time and energy, especially during the General Assembly session."

Webster said scooters are better for transportation than bikes while in dress clothes for his job.

Scooter and bike riders say alternative ways of transportation are an important part of campus life.

"I think it's a great tool for individual transportation, especially with the increase of automobiles in relatively small streets in Richmond," biology and pre-medicine student Blaid Mbiyangandu said. "Also, (it causes) less global warming … Why close yourself in a car when you can enjoy your summer day on your scooter and still do your job?"

Continued...

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Issue date: 4/16/07 Section: News

Media Credit: Bethany Emerson

As the summer approaches, bringing warm weather and long days, transportation for students has rolled in a new look.

Although many students still commute by car, some are choosing the transit services or are filling the sidewalks with an array of wheels - from Rollerblade and scooters to bikes and skateboards.

Pedestrians have noticed the influx of students biking and skating around campus.

Emma Minor, manager of parking and transportation services, said this is because of the daylight-saving time.

"The Great Bike Round Up," on Wednesday, April 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Commons Plaza will offer students free bike tune-ups and information.

"I really think daylight-saving time and warmer weather really drives people to alternate forms of transportation, because the days stay lighter longer," she said.

Minor said although the most popular student mode of transportation on an urban campus is walking, there are many in-line skates and skateboards.

Doug Webster, a political science senior, said his scooter is a way to save money on transportation costs.

"It's a great mode of transport if you do not have a car or insurance, because you do not need insurance for a scooter," Webster said. "I fill mine up with gas once a month, roughly. In this time of conservation and high fuel prices, it's a great alternative to driving."

Students find alternative means of transportation make commuting more efficient.

To register your bike or other vehicle, go to www.vcu.edu/police and click on "bike registration" to access the registration form.

"I spent a couple of years working as a lobbyist at a small firm downtown, and I had to park my car in Shockoe Bottom, which made for a brutal walk in the dead of winter," Webster said. "After getting the scooter, I could park right in front of my office, which saved a lot of time and energy, especially during the General Assembly session."

Webster said scooters are better for transportation than bikes while in dress clothes for his job.

Scooter and bike riders say alternative ways of transportation are an important part of campus life.

"I think it's a great tool for individual transportation, especially with the increase of automobiles in relatively small streets in Richmond," biology and pre-medicine student Blaid Mbiyangandu said. "Also, (it causes) less global warming … Why close yourself in a car when you can enjoy your summer day on your scooter and still do your job?"

Continued...

Page 1 of 2 next >

Article Tools