“I live close to campus so I walk here every day anyway,” he said.
Jernigan is one of 400 to get a voucher this month through Earn-A-Bike, a sustainability program for faculty, staff and students that encourages people to choose bikes over cars. He participated in a Sept. 3 orientation and safety session—one of 10 being held on the Belknap and HSC campuses as part of the program.
Interest in Earn-A-Bike is especially strong among students. Of this year’s 746 applicants, 659 were students, said Justin Mog, assistant to the provost for sustainability initiatives.
“No other school in the country is giving away bikes for those willing to give up their parking permits,” Mog said. “It’s truly the most innovative thing we’re doing for sustainability.”
Sophomore Charles Burns said that even though he had a parking permit last year, he decided to get the $400 voucher this year.
“It’s a great opportunity to get more people to start riding bikes,” he said.
Earn-A-Bike was launched in 2012. Vouchers are redeemable at several bike shops in Louisville.