This weekend, I used UMBC’s Bike Share for the first time- I don’t have a car and needed to do some nearby errands that were not on UMBC Transit’s bus routes.

It was super easy: I showed my red ID to the RAC front desk, signed a waiver, and was issued a bike, helmet, and lock to use until the RAC closed that night. The bikes are hybrid so they can ride on and off road surfaces. 

I was soon on my way, enjoying my bike ride, and spending less time doing errands because biking is certainly faster than walking!

If you need a way to get around the area, check out the bike share program at the RAC.  You can borrow a bike any time the RAC is open."

I found information about the bikeshare here: http://ies.umbc.edu/files/2014/03/Retrieverfleet.pdf

Molissa Udevitz 

UMBC Eco-Ambassador

President of Geography and Environmental Systems Council of Majors

GES and Dance double major '15

When:

Fri May 16, 2014 6AM to 9AM

Where:

Santa's House (@ Catonsville Fire Station)754 Frederick Rd, Catonsville, MD 21228

What:

Participants in Bike to Work Day who stop by the event location will receive a free t-shirt, commuting guide, and a chance to win prizes. Coffee & refreshments provided. Simply bike to work, and stop by 754 Frederick Rd. Register here.

Why:

Bike to Work Day is a national event to encourage and celebrate bicycling to work and promote public awareness of bicycling and bicycle safety. Locally, it's a part of Maryland's Clean Commute Month in May. Register here.

Late Spring is the start of the ground-level ozone season, when we hear about Code Red and Orange Ozone Action Days. On these warm smoggy days, the air is dangerous to breathe – especially for the young and for the elderly. Emissions from single occupancy vehicles(driving alone) contribute approximately 20% of our region's dangerous ozone levels. Driving alone also results in increasingly congested roadways and parking issues. We can save money, protect the environment, stay in shape and have fun while biking.

Transportation accounts for 38% of UMBC's carbon footprint. In 2007, President Hrabowski committed to campus carbon neutrality.

How:

Resources onUMBC's sustainable transportation alternatives are listed at: http://sustainability.umbc.edu/transportation/

• Ride Transit
• Carpool Together
• Bike to Campus    
• Borrow a Free Bicycle
• Charge an Electric Vehicle
• Borrow a Zip Car

Who:

These sustainable transportation options have been developed and promoted by the following groups. If this topic is of interest to you, consider getting involved:

• UMBC Transportation Work Group (part of the Climate Change Task Force)
• UMBC Cycling Community
• UMBC Off Campus Student Services, Sustainable Transportation Outreach Intern
• UMBC Sustainability