Andie HansenThe bike library and workshop is a part of the University of Alberta Students’ Union’s (UASU) bike shop. At the bike library, the university community can repair their own bikes or rent a bike. Creating the bike library is a great idea for community building that allows us to learn more about how bicycles are an inexpensive, sustainable way to have fun through exercise.
The bike library is located in the South Academic Building (SAB) 1-13 and open from noon to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, with expanded hours when the fall term begins. During these hours, university students and staff can book an appointment to either service their bikes themselves, or with the help of a volunteer.
The bike library also offers bike rentals. Rentals come with a $160 deposit. This is refunded if the bike is returned in good condition. The actual cost is only $5 for a day, or $15 for a week.
While relatively unknown, the bike library has a positive impact on the university community by providing low-cost activities with a low carbon footprint. This is a great alternative to buying a bike if you do not plan to ride it every day. Bike rentals are also a resource for international and rural students who are living in residence.
The City of Edmonton advertises that we have the largest urban green space in Canada to explore on two wheels. Much of this advertising surrounds the river valley. Our river valley is an important wildlife corridor and recreational space. It can be both protected and enjoyed. Cyclists can find trails across Edmonton, and featured paths in the river valley.
Beyond the river valley, bicycles have become a heated topic in Edmonton. The debate surrounding bike lanes continues to be tense with rallies both for and against bike lanes. A recent rally that took place July 30 on 50th Street devolved into a shouting match. Yelling at each other is not the answer. Protests and rallies are important ways to advocate to the government, but we should be able to have a comfortable discussion over disagreeing views without it ending in a screaming match.
To have a proper debate, we need to have respect for each other. And to build this respect, we need to spend time with each other in the community. This can mean engaging in initiatives like the bike library. We can learn new skills together, like bike repair, and spend time making friends. When we spend time getting to know each other, we are more likely to come to debates ready to find a solution. When we do not come to debates with mutual respect, we are more likely to attack and insult each other.
Beyond having respect for one another, we cannot make an opinion about bike lanes and bicycles without being well-informed. Outside of the U of A, the Edmonton Bicycle and Touring Club has over 140 events to engage with. By checking out bicycle clubs, we can learn more about what biking means in Edmonton.
Biking is a joint-friendly form of cardio that works your leg muscles and is beneficial for knee injury recovery. I personally enjoy cycling because I can easily listen to music or an audiobook at the same time. Also, biking is an affordable activity. Going out for dinner or to the movies can be expensive. Going on a bike ride can be a cheaper alternative that is just as fun if you have a musical soundtrack in your ear.
No matter whether you believe the city should have more or less bike lanes, we can recognize that biking is a fun, inexpensive activity.
