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Students offered bikes at University of New England

Aug. 7, 2008

School wants to reduce number of cars on Biddeford, Maine, campus

The University of New England in Biddeford, Maine, is offering free bicycles to resident freshmen who agree not to bring cars to campus this fall. The offer is aimed at easing competition for parking spots, especially on the school's main campus in Biddeford. Other colleges around the country are encouraging students to use bikes, usually by offering bike-loan programs, trails and other incentives. Ripon College, a small liberal arts school in Wisconsin, also is giving away bikes as an incentive.To read The Portland Press-Herald article, click here.

EARLIER: High schools and colleges are steering students away from cars to save money on gas, save the environment and promote physical fitness. This fall, Ripon College in Ripon, Wis., is offering freshmen free mountain bikes, helmets and locks in exchange for a promise not to bring a car to campus. The $300-per-student cost is funded by private donations.

To read the USA Today article, click here.