Ducks can pedal it forward by donating to the used bike sale

This fall the Outdoor Program wants to make biking around campus and the greater Eugene area more accessible to new and returning students. University of Oregon employees can play a role in the effort.

The Outdoor Program regularly partners with Transportation Services and the Office of Sustainability to collect abandoned bikes around campus at the end of each year. The bikes are spiffed up and offered for sale in the September Bix4Dux sale.

But as e-bikes become a popular mode of transportation, more people may find their traditional bicycles collecting dust. Staff and faculty members can help reduce travel barriers for students by donating no-longer-used bicycles to the sale.

A priority of the Outdoor Program is to introduce new students to Eugene and its biking culture.

“We are trying to support students being able to ride bikes to school and around town,” said Sam Norgaard-Stroich, Outdoor Program assistant director. “We do this by advocating for infrastructure and education around biking.”

Employees and community members can drop off donations throughout August at the DIY Bike Shop in the Erb Memorial Union, Room 008, Monday-Friday from noon to 5 p.m.

Donated bicycles will be safety-checked by student bike mechanics at the Outdoor Program. Any necessary repairs will be made prior to the sale.

The Bix4Dux sale will take place Thursday, Sept. 21, and Friday, Sept. 22, from noon to 5 p.m. at the Outdoor Program. Cost for most bikes will range from $50 to $100.

In addition to the bike sale, students can ensure a safer biking experience by stopping by the Outdoor Program throughout the year to purchase used or new biking accessories, including helmets, fenders and lights at a discounted price.

The Outdoor Program also offers educational classes, bike repair workshops, campus fix-it stations, group rides and more.

Those with questions can contact Norgaard–Stroich at sstroich@uoregon.edu.

—By Emma Anderson, Student Services and Enrollment Management