Bike Co-Op deserves workshop space support from Truman

I can remember fondly my enthusiasm for the bike sharing program during my freshman year. Being able to check out a bike whenever I needed one (and at no cost) was amazing - it was such a brilliant idea. Clearly, I told myself, this would become yet another thing I loved about campus life.

Yet, when fall came, those bikes were nowhere to be found, and the program had ground to a halt. I specifically remember asking around for when it would resume, and I never was able to get a straight answer. Months came and went, and soon enough I realized that the answer to my question was easy: never.

Two days ago I was fortunate to speak with Cassie Phillips, the primary spokeswoman behind the bike campaign. Not only did she inform me of the iniquitous treatment of the bikes and the program, but also she keyed me in as to why the program was at a standstill.

Embarrassingly enough, the program has plenty of support from faculty and students. What it lacks is backing from campus administrators.

So why doesn't the administration support a program that provides a complimentary service to students? Phillips said there were a few concerns that weigh heavy on the decision not to continue the program: equal treatment among organizations, funding and sustainability.

I'm sure if the bike program was granted space to host a few bike workshops, a majority of organizations wouldn't go hounding the administration. Since when do most organizations require that much storage space? A few file cabinets typically are sufficient enough. Besides, this program has the capability of benefiting every single student on campus if every student so desired. It's revolutionary, eco-friendly and cost-effective.

Which brings me to another point - funding. If the administration was willing to invest at all in the recovery of bikes that have been poorly maintained, there would be not only functioning bikes for public use, but also functioning bikes that would require less maintenance thereafter. Those additional costs could be taken care of by program participants and sponsors.

Every organization on campus has the risk of not being sustained the next semester, so why is the bike program a campus-wide concern? Well, if more than 200 people participated in the program when it was around, how is that not evidence enough that people want to keep it going? There were more people served by the program than there are participants in most organizations on campus.

The bike sharing program and the Bike Co-Op deserve more than just talk. They need action. This program benefits students, faculty and community members at very little cost to the school.

Thank goodness Student Senate has acknowledged this injustice by agreeing to purchase tools and other necessities. However, the Bike Co-Op needs a sufficient workspace for Senate to follow through. Take a look at the vacant Kirk Building or the former Child Development Center. Surely on campus there exists a potential home for bike enthusiasts.

A legitimate request, but once again the program's fate rests on the administration. I only hope that they soon see the benefits of this program to not only our campus, but to the entire community.

The Student Activities Board is hosting a bike awareness concert Oct. 12 in an effort to salvage this program. I encourage everyone to grab their bikes, bring a friend and prove that this program is indeed worthwhile.