In 1817, Germans created draisines. These two-wheeled modes of transportation relied on pedal power and the rider’s ability to maintain balance. Today, they are known as bicycles.
The Pokes’ Spokes Bike Library is a bicycle rental program that was started by the Associated Students of the University of Wyoming in 2005. Former ASUW senators Beth Ross and Dwayne Meadows authored Senate Bill 2115 after they realized that a number of students did not have transportation for getting around town.
“A bicycle could expand the choices of basic life needs that are extremely limited by foot travel in Laramie,” according to the legislation. It would also cut down on the misuse of Safe Ride and provide an environmentally friendly mode of transportation, the legislation said.
When the program started in 2005, the bill allowed for 10 bikes. In 2007, it was taken over by the Outdoor Program and since that time has grown to include more than 100 bicycles.
The bikes are easy to recognize. That bright yellow blur that zips past students between the classroom building and the Union most likely came from the bike inventory owned by the Outdoor Program.
With a little bit of paperwork and a small fee, students get to rent their own yellow blur machine for the school year. A helmet and bike lock is included in the rental.
The Outdoor Program also holds a four-part clinic on bicycle maintenance. The first session will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday. Anyone who rides a bike on campus is invited to attend. Contact the Outdoor Program for more information.
“Our over-reaching goal is the hope that students get a sense of self sufficiency with their personal bicycles,” equipment manager for the Outdoor Program, Avi Katz said.
The program hosts one clinic per month and each clinic builds on the one before. “We basically want to empower them by giving them the skills to maintain their bicycle on their own,” Katz said.
Cindy Dywann coordinates the clinics. She is a bicycle technician and owner of Doin’ It Outside, an outdoor adventure and guide service and assists students with maintenance on their personal bikes. “We don’t let people drop off their bikes for us to fix, but we do have tools and Cindy can advise students on how to maintain their bikes,” Katz said.
