Free Wheeling

Tue 26 Oct 2010

First year Modern Languages student Beth Evans has won a free refurbished bike in a green prize draw- a joint effort from the Students' Union and the University.

The prize bike was refurbished by local organisation ReCycle Bikes, and funded by the University's Transport Policy. As well as her refurbished, bright yellow Muddy Fox mountain bike (a retro classic), Beth was also given a helmet, locks, lights and a free "Dr Bike" maintenance check- everything needed to hit the road in style!

The ethical prize giveaway (which also included a free Fairtrade hoody, water-powered clock and plenty of muffins!) was part of an Intro Week stall with a focus on environmental action. The aim was to boost awareness of the green things the University and Students' Union are doing, and what everyone can do to help, from recycling and saving energy to volunteer projects.

After using her gleaming prize to cycle between home and campus for a few days, Beth said: "Well, it's a great bike! It's going to save me a lot of money because I've been getting the bus everyday (as I am always late!), and it turns out to be loads quicker on the bike anyway!

I was a bit apprehensive at first, as I haven't ridden a bike in a long time, but I've had lots of help and advice from people who ride, and with all my new gear I feel like a pro!"

The next "Dr Bike" session (free bike maintenance)is at Jessop West on Tuesday 2nd November. For more information on "Dr Bike", ReCycle bikes and the cycling support available to you at the University of Sheffield,   why not wheel your way to www.shef.ac.uk/environment/transport

To see what the Students' Union and University are doing and the many ways you can get involved, from cycling to recycling, visit Students' Union: www.shef.ac.uk/union/you-run-us/campaigns/ethical-environmental/ or University: www.sheffield.ac.uk/environment