GSU Bikes, launched in August of 2009, is a student-led, interdisciplinary group focused on making the Georgia State University campus a bike-friendly area. The Institute of Public Health, Welch School of Art and Design, Department of Sociology, university public relations, and the Department of Recreational Services, in partnership with the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition and Central Atlanta Progress, have teamed up to conduct this project. GSU Bikes provides information and other services for bicycling and improving the environment in support of bicycling to, from, and on campus. Funding from the EPA’s P3 (People, Prosperity and the Planet) grant was used to identify factors that affect bicycling to and from the GSU campus, and to put in place features, services, and policies to promote bicycling.

Our efforts are intended to encourage a shift from a motor-vehicle-centered campus to a bicycle- and pedestrian-friendly one. Our project includes the arts community with sustainability efforts, as public art helps to increase social capital. It also encourages healthy transportation, healthy people and a healthy planet through cleaner air, improved land use, lower demand for natural resources and energy, and increased physical activity among the university community. We continue our previous research into encouraging bicycling among students, faculty, and staff; as well as increasing bicycling parking around GSU and social capital through public art.

In 2010, GSU Bikes and Touch the Earth worked together to implement a bike-sharing program for the Georgia State community. The bike share is free for GSU students, faculty and staff and is located at Touch the Earth in the Student Recreation Center.

Some notable activities implemented in 2009 and 2010 include:

Implementing a free bike-sharing program with Touch the Earth in the Student Recreation Center.
Establishing The Bike Shop at Touch the Eart for minor bicycle repair services.
Mapping and analyzing the locations of current bicycle racks and bicycle use patterns around GSU's campus.
Conducting a competition for a student-designed, artful bike rack. The winning bike rack, designed and built by Spencer Murrill, has been installed in front of the Student Center in Unity Plaza.
Collecting data from students including bicyclists regarding behaviors, perceptions, and attitudes about bicycling.
Launching an awareness campaign to highlight our main efforts including the website dedicated to this project.

Are you…

Interested in learning more about environmentally-friendly transportation?
Someone who enjoys occasional recreational bike rides?
A dedicated bicycle commuter?
Interested in making Georgia State a cleaner, healthier campus?

GSU Bikes is always looking for enthusiastic people who want to work with us. Please contact us to find out how you can get involved!

Brought to you by: GSU Departments of Recreational Services, Sociology, Welch School of Art and Design, Institute of Public Health and the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition; Supported by a grant from the Environmental Protection Agency P3 Award.