AMERICUS — Thanks to a generous donation of 10 bikes from the City of Americus, Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) rolled out a new bike share program for students through the university’s Fitness Center.
A ceremonial “bike transfer” from the City of Americus to GSW took place at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Marshall Student Center Patio.
“Georgia Southwestern is very proud to partner with the City of Americus on the university’s Bike Share Program,” said GSW Interim President Charles Patterson, Ph.D., at the conclusion of the event. “We’ve got 10 bikes on campus now that are on loan from the city, and our students — place-bound or not — will be able to use them to visit downtown and other retail in the area. We thank the City of Americus and our Georgia Southwestern State University staff for making this happen.”
“I echo Dr. Patterson’s comments that the City of Americus is certainly proud to bring these bikes to GSW,” said Americus Mayor Barry Blount, “so the students will have access to transportation to downtown and other parts of campus and the community. This is a program that the City of Americus started several years ago. We received a grant from the Mix Foundation that helped us facilitate the purchase of the bicycles. It also enhances our efforts to build a healthy community where people get out and exercise.”
With the program, bikes can be checked out at the GSW Fitness Center free of charge. Students, faculty and staff may check out a bike for the day, but it must be returned the same day an hour before the fitness center closes to avoid a $10 late fee.
A helmet and bike lock will be provided with each bike, and participants must sign a waiver/responsibility form upon check out.
For additional information, email anna.champion@gsw.edu or visit the following link: Bike Share Program.