|
A DePaul University political science professor who teaches a course on bicycling and politics will speak at the Green Quad at 7 p.m. March 26. The event is part of a two-day bike festival sponsored by the USC Bicycling Committee (USCycle) and the Green Quad, in cooperation with the Cycle Center and Outspokin', two local bike shops. All events are free and open to the public.
 |
| Harry Wray |
Harry Wray, whose book Pedal Power: The Quiet Rise of the Bicycle in American Public Life was released earlier this year, will speak to the Green Learning Community, take participants on a bicycle tour of campus, and give two presentations for the University community.
"Pedal Power discusses the social and political ramifications of transportation and how we get around," said Jason Craig, program coordinator for the Green Quad's Learning Center for Sustainable Futures. "There are elements of psychology to it, and issues of social justice, city planning. It takes a look at the phenomenon of travel, particularly by bicycle, from all angles."
 |
USCycle started quietly and unofficially in 2000, and at first met in coffee shops, said Alicia Wilson, an associate professor in geological sciences. The group is now officially a subcommittee of the University's Environmental Advisory Committee.
"There has been a core group involved from the beginning, and each member has contributed in different ways," Wilson said. "Ben Coonrod in campus planning and construction has been an active member. Chris Howard in parking services, with the blessing of Transportation and Parking Director Derrick Huggins, has worked hard to install bike racks for years. Parking services is about to unveil a new Web page as part of their Web site that will be all about biking. Michelle Burcin, director of Healthy Carolina, has joined us this year, and she has students and resources that are very helpful. One of the drivers behind the group recently is student Andrew Epting, who is secretary of environmental affairs in student government. Officer Kenneth Adams at the police department had been doing free bike registration for years, and he's helping with the bike fair, too.
"There is a real need for this committee," Wilson said. "A lot of people on campus were related to biking in some way but nobody knew how to talk to each other. This committee coordinates all this."
The committee also is coordinating the bike fair and planning numerous events, including bicycle repair stations sponsored by local bike shops; experts demonstrating various bike tips, such as the best way to lock a bike so it doesn't get stolen; free bike registration; giveaways; and information about the cycling committee and the Palmetto Cycling Coalition.
To receive information about USCycle or to be added to the listserv, e-mail Wilson at awilson@geol.sc.edu.
2/08
|
