Alternative Transportation

People from the UTA community and Arlington gathered for a two-day workshop to look at travel-friendly options for cyclists on June 29 and 30 at the Central Library. 

The workshop started with a morning bike ride around campus and the city. During the six-mile ride, several stops were made to evaluate the existing infrastructure and potential hazards facing cyclists. Some of the issues included a lack of bike lanes and non-ADA-compliant sidewalks. 

The League of American Bicyclists representative led the workshop to discuss this vital transportation issue. The League of American Bicyclists is the nation’s oldest bicycle advocacy organization, founded in 1880. 

Morgan Chivers, Maker Literacies librarian, stated that the workshop brought Arlington city staff members, community leaders, and UTA administration together to share ideas and concerns to make cycling a practical transportation option. 

He feels that more bike-friendly options provide additional opportunities for students. 

“Having alternative transportation options in place for people without a vehicle is critical,” Morgan said. “Many people who live on campus are international students and don’t have a car. So, how are they supposed to get from place to place?” 

Morgan stated that the university has made steps to make the campus friendlier to cyclists. These steps included adding bike repair stations around campus and bike racks. 

“As of 2021, UT Arlington is recognized as a Bronze-level Bicycle Friendly University by the League of American Bicyclists,” the UTA website stated. “UTA joined an elite group of 222 colleges and universities in the nation that are working toward sustainability by fostering a welcoming environment to bicycle users.” 

 The university website stated the designation resulted from the Bicycle Coordinating Committee working to document bike-friendly measures on campus and learning more about what UTA can do work. 

To make the UTA Campus and the city of Arlington friendly to cyclists, Morgan encourages people to reach out to university and city officials. 

The Arlington City Council meetings schedule can be found online on the city’s website. These meetings provide a time for the public to address the council on issues not posted on the regular agenda. 

Morgan also encourages students and staff to participate in the campus organization Walkable Arlington. Its Facebook page states that the organization is a grassroots movement advocation for more walkable spaces and greater transportation options. 

More information about Walkable Arlington can be found on its website and its official Facebook page. 

Morgan wants to encourage people to look at cycling as a transportation option as well as for recreation.  

We share Morgan’s enthusiasm about cycling and how it can connect people to places. Starting in the fall, UTA Libraries are expanding these cycling opportunities through its new bike rental program beginning in the fall. So, stop by the library and check out a bike.