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The Daily Tar Heel

UNC students, professors concerned about shortage of bicycle racks on campus

A noticeable shortage of bicycle racks in high-traffic areas on campus has become a concern that both students and departments wish to see addressed.

Randy Young, spokesman for the Department of Public Safety, said the department doesn’t have definite plans to add more. The effects of budget cuts have prohibited DPS from being able to afford some current programs, let alone the introduction of anything new, he said.

Young said there have been a fair number of anecdotal complaints, mostly from academic departments who have observed a lack of accessible bicycle racks near their departments, which can lead to students being late for class.

Young said it is not completely clear if there is a shortage of bicycle racks overall or just a shortage in high traffic areas.

The number of registered bicycles on campus has held steady since the early 1990s, fluctuating between 1,000 and 2,000, he said.

But since not every bicycle on campus is registered, it is hard to quantify the exact number of bicycles on campus, Young said.

Young added that, given current gasoline prices, it is not surprising to see more people seeking alternative modes of transportation to get to class or work.

Brandon Thomas, communications director for facilities services, said the University has a construction policy stating that bicycle racks should be included in the construction plans of every new campus project.

“If one is needed, we will work with DPS to install one, but we do not have decision-making authority,” Thomas said.

Junior Hannah Eck said she has noticed a shortage of bicycle racks, especially in high-traffic areas like the Pit and areas around busy academic departments.

Eck said she has seen students lock bicycles to random structures, such as trees or fences, out of convenience and a hurry to get to class.

Contact the University Editor at university@dailytarheel.com.

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