'Treat others as you wish to be treated,’ wise saying applies to Ride, Rack and Relax bikes

Last week’s front page story in The Pendulum was about Elon’s Ride, Rack and Relax bike program. Also, in the letters and submissions section, there was a letter from SGA president Chris Morse describing the purpose of the program. The article and the letter came as a result of students misusing and abusing the property of the Elon community.

The Ride, Rack and Relax bikes were purchased by Student Life and are a privilege for students traveling across campus throughout the day and late at night. Unfortunately, students have treated these gifts from Elon like unwanted Christmas or birthday gifts. Bikes are scattered about campus, usually not in one piece and more often, not safe for riding. Students destroying these bikes these bikes defeats the purpose of the program, which is to provide a means of transportation for students going across campus or leisure riding. SGA and Student Life trusted that students would be responsible and mature and treat the bikes as their own. Sadly, the Elon student body cannot be trusted.

Think about it, if these bikes were personal property of students, would they continue to be mangled and left for destruction? Consider this: If students were to go to Campus Recreation with their Phoenix cards to check out a bike for a certain period of time, SGA could revise the program by documenting student accountability. It all seems to be childish. Please avoid forcing SGA and Student Life to regulate the Ride, Rack and Relax program. Students do not treat their own bikes like the Ride, Rack and Relax bikes, so why abuse such a privilege?

Next time you walk outside your dorm to hop on a Elon-provided bike, think about who’s money was spent on the bike.  Think about the kids in underprivileged areas who would love to have a cruiser bicycle. Taking life for granted is a recurring issue, not only on this campus, but within the entire 18-25 age group.

Many schools are not as lucky as Elon. How many schools receive nearly 300 free bikes for student use every year? Not many. Student Life has made a way for students to get around campus, as well as have a good time. Take advantage of this program, but do not abuse your rights. Everyone has heard “treat others as you wish to be treated.”  This saying does not only apply to people, but also to one’s belongings. What has happened to values and morals from parents? Judging by Elon students’ treatment of free bikes, the generation has forgotten what their parents have done to mold them into mature, responsible young adults. Going through all the trouble to check out a bike is absurd. The next time you see someone misusing or abusing the bikes, call extension 7254, which appears on the Elon bikes on the plate near the handlebars. Every bike destroyed means one less bike for students to use when they are traveling from locations on campus such as Danieley Center.

Will Campbell / Photographer

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