Gearing up

Wright State University students, faculty and staff of all abilities can now check out bicycles from Campus Recreation’s new Bicycle Library Program.

Thirteen Trek hybrid bicycles and four fully electric quad bikes plus helmets, storage bags and locks are available for students, faculty and staff to use at no cost.

“Bicycles can be very expensive,” said Erin Compaleo, the program manager for Outdoor Recreation.

Outdoor Recreation offers plenty of outdoor programming and equipment for hiking, camping, climbing, kayaking and bicycle group rides, although the program did not have bicycles available.

“It was hard to find students that were able to participate,” she said.

The four electric quad vehicles called “Raider Rigs” are great for students with disabilities so they can explore campus and the surrounding trails.

“These will allow our students with disabilities an opportunity to get out and enjoy some trails and maybe get off-road a little bit because of the size of the tires,” said Eric Corbitt, Student Union and Campus Recreation director.

The Office of Disability Services purchased the quad bikes after receiving a $24,608 Direct Effect Quality of Life grant from the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation National Paralysis Resource Center.

Campus Recreation was able to purchase the Trek bicycles in 2021 with help from a $5,800 gift from the Legacy Project, but due to Covid-19 and the popularity of outdoor equipment, it took two years to receive the bikes.

“But they’re here now, and we are excited about today and the opportunity to share our Bike Library,” said Corbitt.

Wright State community members can check out a bicycle through Engage:

• Trek hybrid bicycle reservation form
• Raider Rig reservation form

Requests must be submitted 48 hours in advance of the desired check-out date. Bicycles can be picked up at the reserved time in the Outdoor Resource Center, 037 Student Union. Users must show a Wright1 Card at checkout.