Big Blue Cycles Registration Now Open for 2017-2018
LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 24, 2017) — The application for the Big Blue Cycles fleet is now open for the 2017-18 academic year. The fleet of more than 150 bicycles is available exclusively to students living in campus housing who sign a commitment not to bring a car to Lexington. Students selected for the program will have the use of the bicycle for the entire academic year.
The Big Blue Cycles fleet, which falls under the umbrella of the nationally-recognized Wildcat Wheels Bicycle Library, was established in 2014. Big Blue Cycles are commuter-style, 8-speed bicycles equipped with fenders, a lock, a helmet and a bell.
The bicycles are made possible by a funding partnership between the Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration, the Student Sustainability Council and Parking and Transportation Services. The helmets are provided through a partnership with the UK HealthCare Level I Trauma Program, and locks are provided by Student Government.
Current Big Blue Cycles participant Christopher Sanders has had a positive experience with the program. “Big Blue Cycles is one of the most unique and helpful programs at UK,” he said. “The freedom a bike gives me when traveling around campus as well as Lexington has also helped me keep appointments and even get a couple extra minutes of sleep every day.”
If more than 150 students apply for the bikes, a random drawing will be used to select the group of students eligible for the program. Returning residents who held a parking permit the previous year will receive priority consideration.
The deadline to apply for a Big Blue Cycle is Wednesday, July 19, 2017.
Big Blue Cycles has made a lasting impression on Sanders. “Getting around campus and Lexington is definitely easiest by bike,” he said. “I have gotten to know a lot of culture and history in my adventures. I will continue to use a bicycle as long as I am at UK.”
For more information and to apply for use of a Big Blue Cycle, visit www.uky.edu/sustainability/1718BBCapp.