Many students commute on their bicycles to and from school and to work each day. Some ride their bicycles due to the rising gas prices, others for health benefits or for environmental purposes.
Since there has been so much concern about global warming and the unhealthy air in the valley, the issue seems to have caused a few students to re-think their methods of transportation.
Dustin Harris, a Business major at Fresno City College, explained his reason for riding his bicycle, “First of all I’m not a millionaire, I don’t have the money to pay for gas at these outrageous prices it is totally ridiculous. Second, we are doing more damage to ourselves and the environment than we think; people everywhere disregard the facts until it’s too late.”
Students on bicycles race against the clock through the Fresno streets in order to make it to class on time. Dodging traffic lights while trying to make it to school on time is no easy task.
Sean Little, a FCC student, rides his bike to school, from the Ashlan & 99 area everyday. It takes Little approximately 50 minutes each way. “I do it mainly for the exercise and not having a car plays a role in my decision as well, but not a major one,” said Little “I would still ride my bike just as much even if I owned a car; it’s just something I’ve grown to love.”
Many students around the campus choose to ride both short and long distances to get from one place to another. Their techniques and styles of bicycles vary. Some take the backstreets to avoid traffic as much as possible, while others speed along the bike lanes on major streets to feel the rush and intensity of bicycle training to the fullest.
Along with other individuals who cannot afford gas for their vehicles, there are definite health and environmental issues that play a major role in these students’ decisions to ride their bicycles.
It seems like students who do not own vehicles would still rely on their bicycles as a means of contributing to a better environment and a healthy body and mind. According to a Rampage poll of 40 student bikers, 12 said they wanted to be healthier, 10 said they cannot afford gas, another 10 said the environment needs major help and the last 8 said they do not have vehicles. Little Said “Imagine where we will be in twenty years if we keep neglecting the environment”
