The University of Dayton Bicycle Program
– and the return of the bicycle as an eco-friendly solution…
The University of Dayton, a top-10 Catholic research university in the U.S., overturned Cambridge University in our selection of the university of the year for 2013. Whilst Cambridge University defeated Oxford University in the annual boat race in 2012 (with the latter winning it back in 2013). It was the University of Dayton that received our attention with their Bicycle Program.
In a very clever way of engaging first-year students, the university offered 100 free Linus bicycles to incoming students. The program is intended to promote a healthier, greener campus while empowering students to change the world around them through sustainability and responsible stewardship. The university also hopes to connect students with the natural beauty of their area and encourage them to live active, healthy lives.
The bicycles are super cool too — mixing a classic style with a modern finish — which fits nicely with the bicycle program.
This is a promotion of a healthy campus lifestyle which can hopefully spark a worldwide trend to other universities and colleges. Putting the University of Dayton on the map in acknowledging the future needs of the youth of the planet!
Other University of Dayton sustainability initiatives include: President Daniel J. Curran signing the American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment; a master's program in renewable and clean energy. Demand is nearly three times the projected enrollment figures; and student report cards demonstrating how they use energy. Eighty-five percent of the 469 monitored student residences received an average or better score on their report cards, and the University estimated a $20,000 savings on gas and electric.
A pair of national organizations have recognized the University for its efforts. The University made The Princeton Review's Guide to 322 Green Colleges and it earned a Sustainability Tracking Assessment and Rating System (STARS®) bronze rating from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education.
Find more information about the University of Dayton's sustainability efforts on the Learn. Lead. ConServe. website.
The University of Dayton
