Pedals vs Parking Permits: Weighing the Pros and Cons of Biking to College
story and photo by Laura Allen
Have you ever been running late to class and driven over to campus to find a parking spot, only to find that there are no free spots? Well, I haven’t.
Since coming to Central and seeing the exorbitant cost of quarterly and year-long parking permits, I decided I would bring my dusty mountain bike out of the garage, fill the tires, and put it to use.
When I compare my school commuting experience with friends who drive their cars, I personally find that the pros of biking compared to driving outweigh the cons.
The Pros
For one, there are huge cost savings. My only expenses are my bike, a bike lock, a bike pump, and a bike helmet. Once you own these things, the cost of maintenance or repair is relatively low.
If you’re not up for owning a bike, CWU just launched a Bike Share Pilot program this spring. This student-led program provides students the option to rent a bike from OPR for free for up to 7 days at a time. This bike rental includes a bike helmet, headlights and taillights, a bell, and a bike lock.
Cycling is good for the environment. Since bikes are a human-powered mode of transportation, they have zero emissions. The more people who bike around campus instead of driving, the lower the university’s carbon footprint.
It’s a time-saver on busy weekdays. I don’t live too far from campus, and I never have trouble with student traffic or finding somewhere to park and lock my bike. There are always bike racks available around every university building and dorm.
There are major health benefits that pay off over time. Biking offers low-impact exercise on your way to class. Consistently cycling improves your cardiovascular health, lowers the risk of several chronic conditions, and releases endorphins, helping you to manage stress.
The Cons
It’s difficult to bike in poor weather. When it’s very windy, rainy, or snowy, I sometimes find that it's safer to walk or take the bus.
Bikes can get stolen or damaged if they aren’t properly secured. I have had a bike stolen from me before, so there are certainly risks associated with leaving your bike outdoors.
It is harder to travel long distances, run errands, or leave town without a car. I’ve had to ask friends with cars for rides.
What About Cars?
Cars are more convenient than bikes, offering more flexibility in how far you can travel and giving you the freedom to go home on the weekends. However, there are still plenty of cons that pushed me towards having a bike on campus instead.
Some of these cons include:
· High costs associated with parking permits, car maintenance, car insurance, and gas.
· Limited parking availability on high-traffic days.
· The environmental impact. Driving a car contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.
If you find yourself living off campus next year, I highly encourage you to weigh the pros and cons of having a bike versus a car.
Will you be close enough to campus to bike next year? Do you want to spend your time circling the school parking lots looking for a parking spot? Or would you rather cycle to an open bike rack and get some easy, low-impact exercise while you’re at it?