The Green Bike Program (GBP) at The Claremont Colleges is a student-led initiative dedicated to promoting cycling culture, bike safety, and environmental sustainability. By repurposing discarded bicycles and organizing engaging cycling events, GBP plays a vital role in the community. Pitzer College students can even take advantage of free loaner bikes directly from the GBP shop. Furthermore, the program extends its helpful hand to all community members, offering free access to bike repair tools and invaluable repair lessons.
Championing Green Bikes and Sustainable Transportation
In a city often dominated by car culture like Los Angeles, the GBP stands out by actively encouraging the use of green bikes as a sustainable transportation alternative. Each semester, Campus Safety collects abandoned bikes from across the campuses. Instead of these bikes ending up in landfills, the GBP takes them in, refurbishes them, and gives them a new life through a free raffle. This ensures that these green bikes continue to serve the community. The program’s repair services are open to all students, staff, and faculty from the 5Cs, making bike maintenance accessible to everyone.
A Green Initiative with a Rich History
Founded in 2001 by Pitzer College students Joey Haber, Gus Porter, and Fritz Rice, the GBP has deep roots within the Claremont community. The program’s vision quickly garnered support from Professor Emeritus Al Wachtel and former Associate Dean of Student Affairs Chris Freeberg. Crucially, Pitzer’s EcoCenter provided initial funding, enabling the GBP to grow and serve the colleges effectively from its inception as a dedicated green bike initiative.
Explore the Green Bike Program Services
The Green Bike Program provides a range of valuable services:
- Bike Raffle: Each semester, GBP raffles refurbished green bikes to Pitzer students. Bikes are to be returned by the semester’s end.
- Raffle Priority: Off-campus and exchange students are given priority in the bike raffle, ensuring access to sustainable transport for those new to the area.
- Lost/Stolen Bike Policy: Student accounts are charged for the replacement value of loaner bikes that are lost or stolen, encouraging responsible bike use.
- Free Bike Repair: GBP offers free repair services (labor) for bikes owned by any student, staff, or faculty member of The Claremont Colleges. Users only pay for parts.
- Parts for Sale: New tubes, tires, cables, and handlebar grips are available for purchase and installation at affordable prices.
- Bike Locks: GBP sells bike locks, promoting bike security and preventing theft.
- Day-Use Bikes: Pitzer students can borrow day-use green bikes for free for 24-hour periods by filling out a simple form. Locks and helmets are provided for day-use bikes.
Volunteering at the GBP shop is open to everyone, regardless of bike repair experience. Interested individuals are encouraged to visit during open hours to contribute to the green bike initiative.
Services Not Offered
It’s important to note what the GBP does not offer:
- Sales of new or used bikes.
- Sales of new or used parts, except for the listed essential repair parts. However, salvaged parts are given away for free during repairs when available.
- Bike storage, except temporarily for bikes awaiting repair pickup or raffle bikes awaiting lock purchase.
Affordable Green Bike Repair Parts
Visit the GBP shop to find affordable prices on essential bike repair parts. Labor is always provided free of charge.
- Tubes
- Tires
- Locks
- Lights
- Cables
- Handlebar Grips
- Brake Pads
Green Bike Parts for Art Projects
Art students from all 5Cs are welcome to visit the GBP to obtain unusable bike parts for art projects. Wheels, frames, pedals, nuts, bolts, and washers are often available in the “art parts box.” The GBP encourages students to share digital photos of their artwork created with these recycled green bike parts.
Conclusion
The Green Bike Program is central to promoting sustainability and cycling at The Claremont Colleges. Offering bike loans, free repairs, and championing green bike reuse, GBP positively impacts campus life and environmental awareness. Join the movement: volunteer, use their services, and choose a green bike for Claremont commutes!
