UW-L's Rec Sports Outdoor Connection provides a valuable service for the La Crosse area. The Green Bike program provides refurbished bicycles to students for any duration of time for $20. When bicycles are returned, students receive $10 of their original investment back. The service provides an inexpensive alternative to automobile use, encourages physical activity, and helps protect the environment by properly recycling bicycle frames and parts.
The Green Bike program, which began in 2004, has refurbished and rented over 200 bikes and recycled more than 40,000 pounds of metal.
Inspired by designer Andy Greg, the Outdoor Connection has also found another creative way to recycle bikes: creating furniture. By using bike and wheel frames, as well as rubber tire tubes, a very comfortable, unique chair is created. The Outdoor Connection will be raffling off “bike chairs” to donors and supporters. Individuals who donate bikes, bike parts, time, or even money, will have their name placed into the drawing to win. The more individuals donate, the better chance they have to win a “bicycle chair.”
With more than 100 people currently waiting for their opportunity to check out a Green Bike, bike donations of all models, conditions and sizes are needed. Public awareness and involvement is essential to the success of the Green Bike program.
Consider donating new or used bikes to keep the program alive. For more information, contact Outdoor Connection at (608) 785-8860 or e-mail crye.davi@students.uwlax.edu. [More info...]