‘When a business bikes, the business benefits’
The new Campus Bike Library (pictured) allows students to borrow bicycles in a similar way to how one would borrow a book. It's just one of several initiatives that helped McMaster earn bronze certification from the Share the Road Cycling Coalition. 'Share the Road is excited to recognize businesses that are choosing to invest in cycling,' says Justin Jones, manager of the Bicycle Friendly Ontario Program with Share the Road.
McMaster has officially been named one of Ontario’s first bicycle-friendly businesses.
The Share the Road Cycling Coalition recently awarded the University bronze certification, based on recent efforts to make the campus a great place for cyclists.
Awards were distributed at the HiveX conference on Saturday, Oct. 31 at the downtown Sheraton Hamilton Hotel.
“Share the Road is excited to recognize businesses that are choosing to invest in cycling,” says Justin Jones, manager of the Bicycle Friendly Ontario Program with Share the Road.
“We know from our research that workplaces that promote cycling experience higher productivity and lower absenteeism, all while improving their talent attraction and retention. In short, when a business bikes, the business benefits.”
SoBi Hamilton was named one of the first gold level bicycle-friendly businesses in Ontario. The company is the non-profit organization tasked with managing the city’s new bike-sharing system.
On March 20, campus leaders unveiled McMaster’s new fleet of SoBis (short for Social Bicycles) during an outdoor ceremony near the Sterling Street entrance. A total of of 750 two-wheelers were distributed to all corners of the city, including 60 stationed on campus.
The SoBi hub near the Sterling Street entrance has since become one of the most popular and heavily-used in the city.
SoBis aren’t the only cycling option on campus.
The new Campus Bike Library allows students to borrow bicycles in a similar way to how one would borrow a book. Five bikes are located at Mills Memorial Library, and five are housed at Thode.
For those who already own a trusty street cruiser, there are more than 1,800 bike-rack parking spaces located at McMaster’s main campus, with more coming in the spring.
McMaster is also fortunate to be home to its very own non-profit bicycle repair shop, the MACycle Co-op, located beside Ron Joyce Stadium.
Operated by the MSU, MACycle is not your regular bike shop. In addition to providing repairs and advice, technicians also believe in empowering students and staff to do their own repairs.
Want to learn more about pedal-power initiatives at McMaster? Click here to visit the Office of Sustainability’s cycling information page.
