In September 2008, the Bike Loan Program started with fewer than 50 bikes. Eight months later it is 100 bicycles strong and presenting a week of bike education and entertainment.
Bike Loan Program Coordinator Briana Orr said this is an important week for the program.
“These events are celebrating the fact that we do have a lot of bikes on campus. We want to give out more information about bikes to help support bike folks,” Orr said. “We want to help keep (bicycles) maintained in order to keep students biking.”
From scholarly lectures and scenic rides to a concert run completely by pedal-generated electricity, the Bike Loan Program has come together with UO Live Move and the Survival Center to present a week of environmentally conscious events celebrating bicycles.
The central event of the week is Thursday’s third annual Bicycle Faire. The celebration, starting at 10 a.m. in the EMU Amphitheatre, includes screenprinting T-shirts, gear raffles and bike-blended smoothies. Bike Loan Program mechanics will offer free minor bicycle repairs, and the California band The Ginger Ninjas will perform a bicycle-powered concert.
The band tours completely by bicycles and uses pedal-generated electricity from audience participation to power its sound system.
To Dave Villalobos, the Outdoor Program’s trip facility manager, The Ginger Ninjas offer more than great music