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May 28, 2009 ![]() Cyclers like the rideby Diana Pounds Partway through their week-long test of electric-assisted bikes, ISU employees seem to be enjoying the ride. More than a hundred faculty and staff are tooling around campus and town this week on the bikes, on loan to the university from X-Treme Scooters. Officials in the Newton firm found out about the university's Live Green initiative and offered the bikes for a week that ends this Friday, said sustainability director Merry Rankin. In return for a lengthy spin on the high-tech bikes, the firm asked that employees ride to and from work. Riders also were free to take the bikes anywhere else they wished to go. While the scooters resemble a traditional bike, there are differences. They're a bit heavier, with thicker tires. There's a rechargeable battery pack behind the seat and a motorcycle-style throttle on the handlebars. Despite differences, most of the novice riders said the learning curve on the new machines was low. Among those trying the bikes are:![]() Venita Currie, business manager in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Currie rides her own bike to get exercise, but admits that battery-powered assistance is "kind of fun," especially on hills and at street crossings. ![]() Marjorie Smith, secretary in the educational leadership and policy studies department. Smith, who often makes the 25-minute commute to campus on her bike, found the same trip on the X-Treme quite different, due to an extra assist going uphill or into headwind. Smith prefers more exercise on her commute, but added "it's fun to try something new." ![]() Mike O'Donnell, industrial specialist at the Center for Industrial Research and Service. O'Donnell likes the bike, particularly the pedal-assist mode for climbing hills and the nice, consistent ride. "You can take a quick bike ride with a leisurely amount of effort," he said. ![]() Curtis Balmer, systems analyst in the Center for Agricultural and Rural Development. He didn't find much of a learning curve going from his own bike to the scooter. The X-Treme makes it more pleasant to get outside and be active, especially if it's hot and sticky, he said. "You can be as active as you want, or take a break." ![]() Marty Ellenberger, motion media specialist with IT services. Ellenberger said he and his spouse really have enjoyed the X-Treme scooter. It's been fun discovering the bike trails, Ellenberger said, adding that his bike commute through Brookside Park takes only a minute longer than driving to campus. ![]() Karen Bolluyt, program assistant in Agriculture and Life Sciences development. You can get a workout on the bike, Bolluyt said. "But it also makes a nice work bike, because you don't have to come into the office sweaty and panting." |
Live Green!More information on Iowa State's "Live Green!" initiative is online. Quote"This is a great summer to be Living Green at Iowa State University! Cy-ride is offering free bus service (for all Ames residents) all summer, X-treme Scooters is offering ISU faculty and staff this weeklong opportunity to try hybrid bicycling for free, and we have a number of dedicated staff, faculty, and students who are already walking and biking the talk." Merry Rankin, director of sustainability |