Easing Bike Anxieties at Oxy

Though we have not made a lot of headway thus far in the bike-sharing and alternative transportation project, we have received a lot of support. Everyone I have talked to about the program so far has had a very positive reaction and asked how they can help. For this reason, we need to create a comprehensive way of including and harnessing the energy that currently exists on this campus. Recently, we found out that someone outside of UEP 246 (Ava Mikolavich) is trying to begin a bike-sharing club. We should not only provide encouragement and guidance during this process, but we should also begin raising awareness on campus.
Our group has talked about a couple ways to do this. On the first day that we split into teams, we had a recent Claremont McKenna graduate speak to us. He brought up the idea of a “social ride” which I found very interesting. A social ride would be a planned group bike ride that had some sort of destination that would encourage socializing. This would help bikers meet each other and boost the energy of the movement. It would also be a good opportunity for the more timid riders who are not ready to take on the streets of LA alone. As Katrina pointed out, there has to be a viable solution for many different individuals. It is important that we cater to people who, like Katrina and me, are worried about biking in LA. I know that setting up a social ride with current and well-seasoned bikers would help reduce my anxiety. In this way, a social ride would encourage new bikers while reinforcing bonds between current bikers. As a side note, another way to ease the fears of new riders that we discussed is to create Google Maps of fun bike routes in the area. We can make a list, or short pamphlet, describing different places that are biker friendly/accessible that includes a mapped out path and traveling tips. Maybe we can advertise in the Oxy Digest and ask current bikers to submit ideas.
Another way to increase awareness is to have a bike maintenance workshop on the quad during a busy time of day. (Best time would probably be 12:30-1:30). If we can recruit either a professional from a local bike shop and/or organization, then we can have them give a short and fun tutorial on bike upkeep. Ideally, this would encourage students who are worried about the responsibility of a bike to overcome their hesitation.
From all the support that these ideas have received, it seems like there should be nothing standing in our way. We just need to actually take initiative and action. We have so many good ideas, so maybe its best if we initially pick 2 or 3 to focus on.