Bike policy ... no joy ride

By Alan Chase
Staff Writer

In August the UNCP Campus Police began to enforce the university's bicycle registration policy. As part of this policy, bikes must be locked to one of the 15 bike racks provided around campus.

While the number of bike racks increased from last year to this year there is still a need for more.

For example, there is no bike rack located on the side of the University Center that is most commonly used by students. Given, there is a bike rack on the other side of the UC, but what good does it do at the least used entrance?

Furthermore, there is no bike rack in front of the bookstore. This is another frequently used facility on campus, but there is no bike rack for students going there. Again, there is a bike rack for the one side of D.F. Lowry building, but not one for the 24 hour computer lab or bookstore side.

Also, Lumbee Hall is lacking a bike rack at its main entrance. The building is used by almost every student, but does not accommodate bicyclists.

Finally, parking a bike legally during peak class hours is nearly impossible. There are many times throughout the day in which bike racks are full.

This is particularly problematic near the Education Building and Dial where only one bike rack is available. This problem needs to be addressed by the university by adding bike racks in congested areas and evaluating placement of bike racks for most efficient use.