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Overview
What is the Ripon Velorution Project, in a nutshell?
First-year students starting Fall 2010 will be given the option to sign a pledge that he/she will not bring a car to campus during the 2010-11 school year. The pledge also includes a committment to 10 hours of community service to be documented by the Office of Community Engagement. Students who sign this pledge, along with a simple release form, will be given a bicycle to keep for as long as they wish, at no cost to them.
What does ‘velorution’ mean?
Velorution is a deliberate anagram of “revolution” using “vélo” (French for bicycle) as its root. It refers to the mass acceptance of bicycles, thereby reducing societies’ dependence on automobiles. It has unfortunately come to have political connotations to some, but there is no political aspect to the RVP.
Why is Ripon College doing this?
There are two primary drivers, so to speak, behind the RVP: Parking and health.
A “perfect storm” of decisions will complicated campus parking beginning last year. First, the Fall 2007 semester was the first time in College history that the number of parking permit applications exceeded the quantity available. Around the same time, the Ripon City Council approved the College’s request to vacate Elm and Seward streets through campus as part of a long-term plan to close that area to vehicles. Finally, the Council also approved a measure to close overnight street parking on every street through and adjacent to campus.
The other rationale behind the RVP is simply a matter of health, wellness and respect for the environment. President Joyce is an avid cyclist and has long promoted the health benefits of cycling to constituents of the College. Rather than impose more parking restrictions or build more lots, he decided to simply incentivize students to choose “green” transportation by providing them with a bicycle.
What does the program cost to administrate, and how is it being funded?
The program's annual costs total approximately $50,000, or roughly the cost of three parking spaces in a multilevel garage. Contributions from friends of the College, Trustees and alumni help fund the program.
The Pledge
What does the pledge say?
The full text of the pledge is here.
How will adherence to the terms of the pledge be enforced?
Any student who applies for a parking permit will have their name checked against the names of students who signed the pledge. If their name is on the list, their application will be denied and they will be reminded of the terms of the pledge.
What if a student repeatedly ignores the pledge?
We are initially giving students the benefit of the doubt and entrusting them to be honest. If violations become a problem, we will address it then. The principles of Ripon’s Academic Honor Code will be applied to the RVP; honesty and mutual respect are expectations of every student.
The Bikes
What brand/model bicycles are being given away?
The bicycles are 2009 Cannondale F9 mountain bikes with a custome Ripon College paint scheme, comlete with Ripon College Red Hawks logos.
What size are the bikes?
Frames are available in small, medium, large and extra-large sizes
How will a student be able to identify his/her bike from dozens or hundreds of others?
A special decal with the students last name and first initial will be applied to each bike. In addition, the serial numbers stamped on each frame will be tied to the student who receives it and kept on a secure list in case of a dispute or accidental exchange. The list will also be furnished to the Ripon Police Department in case of theft.
Whose responsibility will it be to maintain the bikes?
Ultimately, maintenance becomes the student’s responsibility as soon as ownership of the bike transfers to him/her. Every student will be provided with a manual detailing basic bicycle maintenance, such as derailleur adjustment, flat repair, brake tension adjustment, wheel removal, etc. Fond du Lac/Oshkosh Cyclery will also provide several “how–to” sessions for program participants. Basic tools will be made available to Residence Halls. More complex repairs will be handled by Fond du Lac/Oshkosh Cyclery at a reduced rate (or free of charge if the bike is defective).
Where will the bikes be stored?
Secure indoor storage is available in a majority of the residence halls. The College installed a number of new racks throughout campus last year and will consider installing additional racks this summer.
Does the City of Ripon require that bicycles be licensed?
No.
What will become of a bike after the end of the school year, or if a student no longer wants it?
The bike belongs to the student, therefore it is up to him/her whether it is sold, given away, etc.
Timeline
What is the deadline for new students to sign and return the pledge?
The deadline is May 1, 2010. Due to the limited number of bikes available, this deadline will be adhered to.
When will students who sign the pledge physically receive their bikes?
Fall athletes and others who move-in early will receive their bikes within a week of their move-in date. The majority of incoming first-year students will receive their bikes the afternoon of Tuesday, Aug. 24, 2010.
Legal and Other Considerations
Will current students have an opportunity to take the RVP pledge and receive a bike or a comparable incentive? If not, why not?
No. The majority of current Ripon students had a similar opportunity to participate in the program as incoming first-year students.
What about transfer students? Would a student have to give up his/her bike if he/she leaves at semester? Will there be bikes available for incoming first year students at semester?
The pledge covers a full school year and will only be offered to first-year students starting in the fall.
What if a student is willing to sign the pledge, but is either physically unable to ride a bike at all or finds the standard RVP bike to be too big/small? Are there implications for ADA compliance?
If a student is physically unable to ride a bike, then he/she will already be using the most practical means of transportation available to him/her. The RVP is meant to help convert drivers who could bike but choose not to, to bikers who could drive but choose not to. Since the program is entirely optional, there are no ADA implications.
What if a number of students who weren’t planning on bringing cars anyway, receive bikes but then turn around and sell them (either to people off campus or upperclassmen)?
That’s their right, since ownership transfers upon receipt. It would, however, be antithetic to the program’s spirit and intent.
What if a student signs the pledge and receives a bike but ends up needing a car for a legitimate reason starting mid semester (e.g. caring for a family member)?
Extenuating circumstances such as these will be addressed on a case-by-case basis. Students in such situations should contact the Dean of Students.
Do you expect the influx in bike traffic to cause more bike or pedestrian-related accidents? What if a student or community member is injured by a student riding an RVP bike?
This program is headed into its third year of implementation, and so far there have been no traffic problems related to the RVP. It is reasonable to expect some bike-related incidents on campus, however we believe the benefits far outweigh the relatively minor risks. The student alone is responsible for the safe operation of his/her bicycle; liability rests with the rider. We strongly encourage riders to wear helmets and obey all traffic laws.
What kind of release form do RVP participants have to sign?
Students who agree to receive a bike must agree to hold Ripon College harmless for any injury, theft, property damage, etc. incurred by virtue of being given an RVP bike. Since ownership is transferred in full at the time of receipt, responsibility for safe operation is the student’s responsibility. The release is very basic and exists merely to indemnify and protect Ripon College.
My question isn't listed here. Where can I turn?
Accepted students should consult with their admission counselors. Media inquiries should be directed to Cody Pinkston, director of media and public relations, at pinkstonc@ripon.edu.
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