REGINA — Biking to the University of Regina campus is now easier than ever.
The University of Regina has partnered with Bike Regina and Dutch Cycle to improve the experience of those who bike to campus with the Ride Ready program.
Bike Regina and Dutch Cycle provided Archer Library with three u-lock bike locks, a bike pump and a bike repair kit, enabling students, faculty and staff to enjoy the security of a u-lock or get their bike back in action by using the bike pump or repair kit at no cost.
The University is a great place to come by bike and now it’s been made even better. — Simon Granovsky-Larsen, Associate Professor of Politics and International Studies, University of Regina
Through Ride Ready, students, faculty and staff at the University of Regina can now borrow a bike lock, pump or repair kit directly from the Dr. John Archer Library & Archives.
The University’s Office of Sustainability and Bike Regina hosted a launch celebration for the Ride Ready program for any interested in biking to campus.
The celebration included presentations from Granovsky-Larsen and Sustainability Coordinator Sheena Stewart, who emphasized the connection between cycling and sustainability.
“The program aligns with several UN Sustainable Development Goals.” said Stewart. “By reducing barriers to cycling, the program encourages transportation choices that contribute to reduced emissions, healthier lifestyles, and a more connected community.”
Making cycling safer and more accessible
The program also marks a step in the University’s ongoing sustainability action plan that launched in 2022, which includes improving bike security and the upkeep of repair stations to make cycling safer and more accessible for the campus community.
“The University is a great place to come by bike and now it’s been made even better,” said Simon Granovksy-Larsen, an Associate Professor of Politics and International Students at the University of Regina and Bike Regina member.
Beyond promoting low-emission transportation, Steward explained that Ride Ready also supports campus well-being and fosters a culture of environmental responsibility and community engagement.
In addition to fostering a bike-friendly campus, the program also promotes education and safety, encouraging cyclists to protect their bikes from becoming easy targets.
Granovsky-Larsen demonstrated how to use certain tools and how riders can use the u-lock to secure multiple parts of their bike at the same time.
“U-locks are much more dependable than cable locks. With cables, you can cut them with pliers. The u-locks are a lot better,” said Michael Shires, Librarian, Archer Library.
The new locks, pump and repair kit are just the most recent additions to the list of items available to borrow from the Archer Library.
“The library is becoming a library of things for loaning out materials beyond books and physical media,” said Shires.
Beyond just standard library materials, students and staff can borrow laptops and even regional park passes – and of course, thanks to the Ride Ready program, tools to support biking on campus.
The u-locks, as well as the bike pump and bike repair kit can all be accessed through the front reception desk at the Archer Library.
