Community Bike Share Set to Roll in Grayslake
Photo credit College of Lake County
What began more than three years ago as a conversation between Grayslake resident Mary Klees and College of Lake County (CLC) Sustainability Manager David Husemoller about his idea for a community bike share program is taking shape and about to hit the road. “Grayslake Bikeshare is a way for our community to see something new and interesting. Something you don’t often see outside of big cities or university campuses,” says Klees. “It’s important to create collaboratively and sustainably so our community can become the best version of itself.”
Suburban residents can ride Divvy Bikes in Chicago, and the Grayslake program will be similar, with more than a dozen bicycles available on a short-term basis. The bike share is not limited to students or employees of CLC, it is for everyone in the community. Riding a bike creates zero CO2 emissions. Metra riders can jump on a bike at the station and proceed to their destination.
The pilot program will begin this spring with each group
sponsoring a specific number of bikes and stations at the CLC Grayslake Campus, Grayslake Metra
station, downtown Grayslake
and Grayslake’s Central Park. Details on locations, number of bikes and cost of
user fees are still being determined. Klees notes that none of the partners
view this as a money-making venture, but rather a way to build community. The
cost for riders is expected to be very affordable.
Shannon Bassi, an administrative assistant at the college who also has a passion for sustainability, says, “One of the best ways to help people understand how to incorporate sustainable practices into their lives, regardless of age or location, is through experience. A bike share is a fantastic tool for experiential learning.”
The CLC student government, health and wellness council and sustainability council are joining with the village of Grayslake, Grayslake Area Public Library District and Grayslake Community Park District for an initial two-year commitment.
CLC Wellness Labs coordinator and member of the health
and wellness council Lisa Aguilar notes, “A bike share program provides
increased physical activity, supports social wellness when riding with others, enhances
awareness of environmental wellness and generally improves one’s outlook on
life by reducing stress.” Klees hopes the program will grow to encompass more
partners across Lake County.
For more information, call 847-543-2000 or visit clcillinois.edu.
