On Oct. 10, 2011, UNCW received national recognition in the form of the Bicycle Friendly University award. This award has been presented to only 25 other universities in the U.S by the League of American Bicyclists. UNC Greensboro is the only other North Carolina institution to be named bike friendly. The designation lasts for four years and helps to fund bike-related on-campus events.

The award also reflects a university’s dedication to offering an alternate mode of travel, one that doesn’t emit fumes and promotes a healthy lifestyle to the students and staff. The easily accessible bike racks near every building, the wider sidewalks and the bike lane on Randall are all ways that UNCW encourages bicycling as opposed to driving motorized vehicles. The school has an on-campus shop for bikes, ECOteal, which gives students the option of detailing and personalizing their Huffys and skateboards and also sells thick metal locks to prevent bike theft.

Bike theft is also something that the university police take a hand in preventing. Worksheets to register bicycles with the on-campus police are available on the UNCW website.

But not everyone is celebrating this award. Some students, like Iris Cooper-Rowland, argue that UNCW could still use some work. “I think the campus should be more pedestrian friendly. I’m tired of dodging jerks on bikes,” said Cooper-Rowland. With all the attention on the bikers, the students who walk from class to class could be at a disadvantage.

Jason Combs, an undergraduate, points out the need to help the minorities on the sidewalks. “I’m a walker and sometimes between the bikes and the skateboarders. I’m surprised that no one has been hurt,” said Combs. He mentioned that a hearing impaired student could possibly be more at risk.

One way to cut down on this split-second dodges would be for bikers to invest in bells.

The Teal Trail opened for bikers and pedestrians alike in early October and is a good way to cruise along on a bike or take a stroll through the autumn leaves. The path begins behind McNeill Hall and is indicated by markers around campus. Bikers are asked to please watch out for anyone who isn’t on a wheeled transportation device.