ASG approved $15,722.50 on Wednesday to revamp the O.P.’s Mav Bikes program. The funds will pay for 30 new bicycles, three bike repair stands and supplies to build storage racks for the bikes.

“We created Mav Bikes to make bikes more accessible for students to ride,” O.P. Director Chad Thatcher said. “We want to eliminate excuses to not be riding.

The program began with 50 bikes three years ago and is currently down to 37 due to attrition. This bill would give the program another 30 bikes to be available for students. The new bikes are not the cruiser style like ordered previously, but are  road-style bikes with a flip hub, which enables the bike to ride as a regular single speed or a fixed gear.

Currently, the bikes that are not checked out are stored behind the O.P. under a tree. This has been an unsatisfactory storage location and has increased wear on the bikes. They are exposed to the elements and tree sap, which shortens the life of the handlebars, seats, paint and chains.

Out of the money, $1,096 is dedicated to supplies to build a storage facility inside the Maverick Pavillion, which would eliminate the problem. The Outdoor Program is in charge of building the facility this summer.

Along with the storage facility, there will be three bike repair stands added to the campus.

“There will be a stand on the north end of campus, the south end and somewhere near the center,” Student Life Director Mitch Karstens said.

The RepairSTAN bike stands have a hook to hold the bike upright and have several tools as well as an air pump attached to them.

To participate in the program, a student must sign a contract agreeing they are responsible for the bike and pay a $150 deposit. The bike is then theirs to use for the remainder of the semester. If returned in good condition, the deposit will be refunded.

The new bikes should be available for the upcoming fall semester.

tfife@mavs.coloradomesa.edu