600 bikes sold to students and faculty; first in provincial universities
2.4 billion won investment until 2011 for constructing biking trails
[October 29, 2008]
“Yeungnam University on the forefront of bicycle commuting”
2pm on the 29th, hundreds of bikes took off around the clock-tower at the front entrance of Yeungnam University. This parade of bikes passed through the Commerce and Economy Hall and the Humanities Hall and officially pronounced the launching of the 'bike commuters group'. In addition, there was an art-bike event to promote bike-riding.
Yeungnam University (president Tong-ki Woo) sold 600 bicycles to students and faculty under the catch-phrase 'Environment-Friendly Energy University'.
Yeungnam University was selected from the Ministry of Public Administration And Security in June for testing the use of bicycles and has invested 50 million won to purchase 600 bicycles. Applications were received from students and faculty of the university from the 17th to the 23rd. There were 1,657 applications and 150,000 won bicycles were sold to the 600 chosen at 45,000 won. In addition, there were 50,000 won hope bikes (recycled bikes) sold at 25,000 won a piece.
Yeungnam University is planning to increase the bicycle use rate that is currently at 4.2% to 12.5% by 2011. In order to do so, a total of 2.4 billion won is expected to be invested to build a 5.2km bike street and 3,000 bike parking lots. In addition, there will be 1,200 public bikes for use. Moreover, there are plans in place to provide a pleasant campus environment by designating 'bike-only trails'.
Park Young-mok (49, civil engineering), director of the facility management office, stated "Using bikes will have many good effects such as lower transportation costs, improved fitness, reduced congestion, improved environment and conserving energy." He also added, "When Subway line 2 is extended in 2011, there will be more people using bikes in campus and so we will concentrate on establishing infrastructure for bike commuters."
Meanwhile, Yeungnam University has received 100 million won in national funding by being selected as a test institution for using bikes from the Ministry of Public Administration And Security in June. Furthermore, there are also campaigns in progress to restrict vehicle speed to under 30km per hour.
<See Related Articles>
@YTN(2008-10-29) Yeungnam University, Proclaim Bike Traveling
http://www.ytn.co.kr/_ln/0103_200810291934024394 (see video)
@Yeonhab News TV (2008-10-30) Yeungnam University sells 600 bikes to students and employees
http://app.yonhapnews.co.kr/YNA/Basic/article/ArticleMPIC/YIBW_showArticleMPICPopup.aspx?contents_id=MYH20081029007700355
@TBC Morning News (2008-10-30) Campus Bike District
http://www.tbc.co.kr/tbc_news/n08_today.html?mode=VW&number=54713
@Jungang Ilbo (2008-10-30) [WalkHolic] Yeungnam University begins bike riding
http://news.joins.com/article/3358641.html?ctg=12
@Joseon Ilbo (2008-10-30) Bike Riders in College Campuses
http://news.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2008/10/29/2008102901898.html
@Yeungnam Daily (2008-10-30) "Yeungnam University comes to work on Bikes" (Page 1)
http://www.yeongnam.com/yeongnam/html/yeongnamdaily/society/article.shtml?id=20081030.010010718440001
@Kyungbuk Daily (2008-10-30) 'Two Leg Engines' on Campus
http://www.kyongbuk.co.kr/main/news/news_content.php?id=230849&news_area=110
@Daegu News (2008-10-30) Yeungnam University championing bike use
http://www.idaegu.co.kr/search/gisa.html?code=gisa&page=1&uid=175476&part=사회&keyfield=subject&key=%BF%B5%B3%B2%B4%EB
@Hankyeoreh (2008-10-30) Bike Parade en Route
http://www.hani.co.kr/arti/society/area/318905.html
@Maeil News (2008-10-30) High Oil Prices and Economic Recession causing waves of bikes on campus
http://www.imaeil.com/sub_news/sub_news_view.php?news_id=49630&yy=2008
