Letters to the Editor

Science II building unfriendly to bikers

Like most students I am proud of the brand-new $22 million Science II building. However, more than six months after completing and opening the new academic facility there is no sign of any bicycle rack. While every other building on campus has permanent bike racks, the new Science building has ignored the need for students to lock their bikes in a secure location.

Currently, most students lock their bikes to temporary metal barriers at the front of the building that were left there after construction. In addition, students lock their bikes to light poles, fences and any other permanent object they can find. All of these solutions tarnish the pristine image of our new building.

So I ask, whose responsibility is it to ensure students have a safe and secure place to lock their bikes and at the same time maintain a presentable image for the building?

Upon contacting campus police I was quickly referred to Plant Operations who never returned my phone call. While a bike rack should not be a top priority for a project as large the Science II building, it should not be entirely ignored.

Between the $22 million spent on construction and the portion of parking permit fees that are dedicated on encouraging alternative transportation there must be money for a permanent bike rack. Why has nothing been done yet?

Sincerely, an environmentally-friendly-bicycle- riding student.

Oren Schmidt
psychology, junior

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