U of L ‘Earn-A-Bike’ program shows to be successful

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) – A University of Louisville program that encourages students, faculty and staff to ride a bike to campus instead of driving is increasing in popularity.

The Courier-Journal reports (http://cjky.it/2bRiC48) that the Earn-A-Bike Program, created in 2012, provides participants with a $400 voucher they can use toward the purchase of a bicycle, helmet, lock and other equipment.

There were 1,550 participants in the program’s first four years. Assistant to the Provost for Sustainability Initiatives Justin Mog says he expects another 380 participants this year.

The program is now being mimicked by other campuses nationwide, including the University of Kentucky.

Funding for the vouchers come from U of L’s base budget. Mog says the program costs about $160,000 per year.

He says the program is helping the university reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.

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Information from: The Courier-Journal, http://www.courier-journal.com

Copyright 2016 The Associated Press.