Exploring SIU’s Sustainable Bike Infrastructure

At Southern Illinois University Carbondale, sustainability is at the heart of campus initiatives. As part of our ongoing efforts to reduce our carbon footprint and support eco-friendly transportation, SIU has installed bike fix-it stations and bike racks throughout the campus.

The City of Carbondale led a bicycle master plan for Carbondale, IL which included the SIU campus. The plan included an inventory of the existing bicycle network, identification of connections between routes in the existing network, identification of existing roadways that could accommodate bicycle facilities, recommendations of short- and long-term policy changes, and action items to move Carbondale towards recognition as a ‘Bicycle Friendly Community’. 

SIU has been recognized as a bronze level recognition for its sustainable transportation strategy through the League of American Cyclists. The  League of American Cyclists  measures progress based on engineering, education, encouragement, enforcement and evaluation/planning. The bronze level award is the result of a collaborative, campuswide effort involving academic, extracurricular and other units and leaders from all across the university. 

By encouraging students and staff to choose biking over driving, we aim to promote a cleaner, healthier environment while reducing traffic congestion and supporting active lifestyles.

What is a bike fix - it station?

A bike fix-it station is a self-service, outdoor repair station designed to help cyclists maintain and fix their bikes while on the go. These stations typically include tools such as tire levers, pumps, wrenches, and screwdrivers, all mounted on a sturdy post for easy access.

Why are Bike Fix-It Stations Needed?

Providing bike fix-it stations at key locations on campus ensures that cyclists can maintain their bikes safely and conveniently, without needing to carry heavy tools or search for a repair shop. It also empowers cyclists to make minor repairs on their own, encouraging more people to choose biking as their primary mode of transportation.

Whether you're on your way to class, the library, or a campus meeting, bike fix-it stations make it easier for you to keep your bike in top shape.

Features of SIU’s Bike Fix-It Stations:

1. Bike Repair Tools: Includes all necessary tools for basic bike repairs (e.g., tire repair, chain adjustment, brake tightening).
2. Air Pumps: Available to refill tires with air, ensuring a safe and smooth ride.
3. Accessibility: Stations are located throughout campus to ensure that help is never far away.

Green Fund: Some of the bike fix-it stations have been funded through the SIU green fund grant program. These stations are part of SIU’s broader commitment to reducing environmental impact by promoting alternative transportation.

Bike racks are like designated parking spots for your bike! They are specially designed structures—usually metal loops or frames—that allow cyclists to lock their bikes safely while they’re off doing other things in the campus.

Why Bike Racks are needed?

Bike racks are like VIP parking for your bike! They provide a safe and secure place for individuals to park their bikes, ensuring that cyclists can go about their day without worrying about theft or damage to their bikes. With more people hopping on bikes to get around, having plenty of well-placed racks has become key to keeping our campus green, and ready to roll!

SIU has strategically placed bike racks throughout the campus to encourage students and staff to bike rather than drive. They help reduce the need for car parking and make it easier to choose biking as a sustainable, eco-friendly transportation option. By providing plenty of secure spots to park, we’re not just keeping bikes safe—we're also helping keep our campus green!

The bike racks and fix-it stations on campus have been instrumental in making biking a more accessible and convenient option for students, faculty, and staff. With these resources, we’ve seen a rise in the number of students opting to cycle to campus, promoting a greener, healthier environment.

Students, faculties and staffs have shared how helpful the bike fix-it stations are, especially on busy days when they need a quick tire fix or air pump. The bike racks across campus also make it easier to park bikes securely, allowing more people to choose cycling as a sustainable and convenient mode of transportation. Here's what some members of the SIU community have to say about it:

I’ve had flat tires on the way to class before, and being able to just stop at a fix-it station and get air was a lifesaver. It’s quick, easy, and way less stressful!

I love that I don’t have to carry a pump or worry about finding a bike shop. It’s so convenient!

Biking is one of the simplest ways for students to contribute to sustainability. It cuts down on emissions, reduces traffic, and promotes personal health—all while being cost-effective. I’m proud to see SIU investing in these efforts

These initiatives align with our commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The bicycle master plan and maintaining our designation, helps make biking an easier and safer option for more people. When more people bike, people are happier and healthier, our communities are safer and friendlier, and our planet is greener with more sustainable transportation options. 

Cycling is the most sustainable mode of urban transportation. By choosing to cycle, individuals are making a significant step to reduce their environmental impact. The Bike Friendly University program helps raise awareness about our sustainable transportation efforts. The designation has to be earned through programming and outreach efforts, and it requires a collaborative effort.  The designation makes our campus even more attractive to the growing number of students who are concerned about reducing their carbon footprint.

This effort is achieving the core goal of the SDGs by providing more mobility solutions to help cities from increased emissions, while improving air quality and road safety. As we continue to make cycling more accessible, these efforts increase our goal of building a culture of sustainability across campus. 

As part of our long-term sustainability plan, SIU is committed to further expanding its bike-friendly initiatives. This includes installing additional bike racks and fix-it stations, as well as enhancing the accessibility and visibility of these resources across campus.

We are committed to enhancing cycling accessibility on campus by expanding the network of bike fix-it stations. These proposed sites are strategically placed to ensure that all areas of the campus are equipped with the necessary tools

Start by biking to campus! If you have a sustainability project idea, consider applying for the  Green Fund !

We'd love to hear from you if you have  feedback  on our bike infrastructure or suggestions for improvements. We can help reduce SIU's carbon footprint and make our campus a more sustainable and healthier place to live and learn together.