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Overview
What is the Ripon Velorution Project, in a nutshell?
First-year students starting Fall 2008 will be given the option to sign a pledge that he/she will not bring a car to campus during the 2008-09 school year. 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. A helmet and lock will also be provided.
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 complicate campus parking going forward. 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.
How is the program being funded?
Contributions from friends of the College, Trustees and alumni are funding the initial program. Depending on its success, alternate funding sources will likely be pursued in the future.
What will determine the success of the RVP? What if it is not successful?
The program’s success will largely be determined by the extent of participation and student feedback during the year of inception. If it does not meet our definition of success, we will evaluate why the program was unsuccessful and decide whether it should be altered or abandoned.
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, locks and helmets have been purchased?
The bicycles are 2007 Trek 820 models in gray and orange, with front shock. The locks are made by Masterlock and the helmets are the Trek Vapor model.
Why gray and orange and not Ripon Red?
Partially due to pricing and availability, but also safety – orange bikes are easier to see.
What size are the bikes?
Frames are available in 16-, 18-, 19.5- and 21-inch sizes
How will a student be able to identify his/her bike from dozens or hundreds of others?
A special decal with a unique identifier will be applied to each bike. Each student is responsible for remembering his/her identifier. 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?
We are still working out the details on storage, but it is a foregone conclusion that more and larger bike racks will have to be added. Once we know how many students take the pledge (mid-May), we will have a better idea how to address storage.
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?
May 1.
When will students who sign the pledge physically receive their bikes?
Upon their arrival next fall (for the majority of students Aug. 23, 2008).
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, for a few reasons:
- The RVP was predicated upon the idea that the bikes could easily last the entirety of a new student’s four years at Ripon. The cost-effectiveness of the program becomes more difficult to justify when a bike would be used for three years or less.
- The majority of current students either own and use their own bikes already, do not care to ride them at all, or are accustomed to other modes of transportation. New students may still be weighing their options.
Ripon College makes a tremendous effort to be as inclusive and fair as possible where students are concerned.
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 does, however, fly in the face of 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.
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?
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 the provided 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. Others may contact Ric Damm, RVP coordinator, at dammr@ripon.edu. Media inquiries should be directed to Cody Pinkston, director of media and public relations, at pinkstonc@ripon.edu.
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