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Projects Updates for theme: all

  1. Torch Blinking bike lights received, Light assembly, and Volunteer Training

    Associated Project(s): 
    Light the Night

    Jake Benjamin received the Torch Blinking Bike Lights on September 18, 2019.

    Barry confirmed the times for Volunteer training and Light Assembly.

    See Quote from TBP to purchase Torch Blinking bike lights

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    Optional training sessions: 
    There will be two chances to go to a short training session for those who haven't participated before, those who want a refresher, or those who want to practice with this year's models of lights:

    - Mon., Sept. 23, 2019, 6:00 pm--6:45 pm, at the Downtown Urbana Bike Project, 202 S. Broadway, Urbana, IL. (enter via south side basement door).
    - Thu., Oct. 3, 2019, 3:00 pm--3:45 pm, at Alma Mater (SE corner of Green St. and Wright, Urbana, IL)
          

    We will run a light-assembly / battery-install event (plus a second if needed) to get lights ready in advance:
    - Mon., Sept. 23, 2019, 7:00 pm--9:00 pm. Downtown Urbana Bike Project, 202 S. Broadway, Urbana, IL. (enter via south side basement door)
    - Possible second session: TBA

  4. Weekly Updates for Zero Waste

    Associated Project(s): 
    Achieve Zero Waste

    Hello Pete and Shawn,

    I was able to reach Tech Services by phone this past week and learned that they do not have any toner cartridge recyling options beyond the mail-ins that the manufacturers offer. I will touch base with the person who inquired this week to let her know and to let her know that Purchasing is still awaiting further information from Office Depot.

    Best regards,

    Marya Ryan

  5. Weekly Update - First Visit Free still suspended, Fix-it Stations need repair,

    Associated Project(s): 
    Campus Bike Center

    All, Still busy! I went over to the warehouse last week and picked up some of the nicer, minimally-broken bikes over there. One only needed air in the tires and a few minor tweaks to be roadworthy. It’s already on the sales floor. Will hopefully have a few more of those to churn out this week. I also returned 3 Chambana Bikes to Neutral Cycle.
    We’re still suspending the First Visit Free policy here. We’ve been less than at-capacity for the first hour or two every day which is a harder sell but haven’t had too much trouble. I frankly wouldn’t mind seeing the suspension extended well into the fall as it helps to weed out people who aren’t at all interested in doing the work in the first place. I often wonder how many people are in the shop to genuinely learn and how many are here because we’re cheaper than every bike shop in town… Just something to think about.

    Got more complaints about the broken fix-it pumps. One guy on the phone seemed especially frustrated since he’d been to 3 – 4 pumps across campus. I sent him over to Neutral Cycle since he was in that neighborhood already.
    I have a couple interviews for some new hires this week. I already got a couple questions about Light The Night, which was surprising and welcome. I guess after 10+ years people are beginning to expect it. I also spoke with a U of I alum who’s interested in starting some similar DIY/education programming over at a small school in Indiana where he teaches. I gave him my card and flyer for TBP in case he wants to pick our brains a little more on the subject.

     

    The numbers:
    Visitors: 102
    Sales: $933.60
    Memberships: 18 for $540
    Tires/tubes: 20 for $116

    Thanks!

    Jacob Benjamin
    Manager, Campus Bike Center

  6. 2019 SWATeam Kickoff with Attached Power Point

    Associated Project(s): 
    iCAP Working Group (iWG)
    Education iCAP Team
    Topical iCAP Teams
    Energy iCAP Team
    Land and Water iCAP Team
    Zero Waste iCAP Team
    Transportation iCAP Team
    Resilience iCAP Team

    Good afternoon!

     

    It was wonderful meeting many of you at the iWG and SWATeam Kick Off event yesterday afternoon. Thank you so much for attending and for your participation. It will be a great year and your efforts are very much appreciated. Please find the slides and handout attached, and be sure to reach out if you have any questions.

     

    As a reminder, Sarthak Prasad from the Transportation team mentioned that it would be helpful if you could take this short bike survey.

     

    Thank you again for your hard work and dedication to making our campus a more sustainable place! I look forward to meeting with you in the near future.

     

    Meredith

     

    --

    Meredith Moore

    Sustainability Programs Coordinator

    Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment (iSEE)

    University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

    1101 W. Peabody, Urbana, Suite 338 (NSRC)

    217-333-0119

     

    [Power Point from Kickoff is attached, RC]

    Attached Files: 

  13. Bicycle Programs and Infrastructure Fee

    Associated Project(s): 
    Bicycle Programs and Infrastructure Fee

           The students affirmed renewing the fee by ballot measure in March of 2019 (see results below) and SFAC has already finalized their recommendation that the fee continue at the same level.  That recommendation will officially go to the VCSA this fall (October) with all other FY21 fee recommendations. 

     

     

    Do you recommend the renewal of the Bicycle Programs and Infrastructure Fee, collected each fall, spring, and summer semester, for up to four years beginning July 1, 2020 and ending no later than June 30, 2024?

    Yes         4217                       69.2%

    No         1874                       30.8%

                  (This is of a total of 6,091 votes)

     

    Explanatory Statement

          The Bicycle Programs and Infrastructure Fee is used to fund bike-related projects at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Use of the funds includes but is not limited to improving bike infrastructure, expanding bike parking, creating safety courses and materials for bike encouragement and education, and creating a bike storage program. The funds are managed by Facilities & Services, whose annual budget for the fee is approved by the Student Fee Advisory Committee (SFAC). The amount of the fee, currently $1.00 each fall, spring, and summer semester, is subject to review by SFAC and approval by the University administration and Board of Trustees. As a student-initiated fee, this fee is subject to a review by student referendum at least once every four years. The next referendum on this fee will be in spring 2023.

     

  14. Weekly Update - Long waitlist

    Associated Project(s): 
    Campus Bike Center

    All, Last week was crazy busy. A couple of my staffers were sick or injured, leaving me well understaffed. We had a waiting list 2 – 3 deep every day. On Friday there were six or so people on the waiting list and I think most just abandoned the idea of being able to get any fixing time. Our model of first come, first served is a little problematic in that way—especially when stands are occupied with B-a-Bs that last the entirety of open hours. Down the line, separating open hours from B-a-Bs might be a good idea for the super crazy months.
    This week I am heading over to the warehouse to look at this year’s crop of bikes. Parking said there are hardly any good ones but I’m fine with that. Fewer total bikes is a win in my book!
    Thanks to Todd for grabbing scrap this weekend.

     

    The numbers:
    Visitors: 89
    Sales: $1,282.20
    Memberships: 25 for $750
    Build-a-Bike: 2 for $65
    Tire/tubes: 18 for $139

     

    Thanks!

    Jacob Benjamin
    Manager, Campus Bike Center

  15. Last Month for Bulk Solar Pricing

    Associated Project(s): 
    Solar Urbana-Champaign
    September is Final Month to Use Bulk Pricing for Solar

    Solar Urbana-Champaign 4.0 is scheduled to end new contract signings for solar installations on September 30 at 5pm.  That means you have just 3 weeks to schedule a site assessment with New Prairie Construction, receive a proposal, and sign a contract for your shiny new solar array. 

    Email 12 months of electric bills to solar@newprairieconstruction.com with the subject line "last minute solar proposal."

    If you've already received a proposal, then all you need to do is say YES to your very own renewable energy power plant.  And keep in mind that 2019 is the last year for the 30% federal tax credit.  It's 26% next year.

    Join the 200 other friends and neighbors in the Urbana-Champaign area that are enjoying a home or business running on sunshine courtesy of Solar Urbana-Champaign.
         

    Second Bulk Discount Achieved

    All Solar UC participants receive compounding 1% discounts off the purchase price of their solar installation as the program reaches 50 kilowatts, 150 kilowatts, and 250 kilowatts of contracted capacity.  The 2019 round of Solar UC currently stands at 151 kilowatts of contracted capacity!  So a 2% discount on all installations!
     

     


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  16. VeoRide August 2019 ridership overview

    Associated Project(s): 
    Bike Share with Veo

    Below are the key numbers for the month of August:

    August Total Rides:21910

    Rides per bike per day:1.7

    Average Ride Time: 8 Minutes

    E-bike Rides:16,511

    Peddle Bike Rides:5,398

    Private property removal reports:10

    Total Market Rides: 301,278…Over 300k!!!!!!

  17. Weekly Updates for Zero Waste

    Associated Project(s): 
    Achieve Zero Waste

    Hello Pete and Shawn--

    This past week, I recontacted Purchasing and Tech Services to follow up on my inquiries about toner cartridge recycling. Aaron Finder at Purchasing has received some information on Office Depot's program and is pursuing additional information from them. I have not heard back from Tech Services and will try to phone them this week.

    Best regards,

    Marya Ryan

  20. 2019 Mode Share results - Faculty/Staff and Students

    Associated Project(s): 
    Reduce Driving on Campus

    The mode share for campus employees driving alone is down from an original figure of 74% to only 60%!  There is more work to be done to reach our FY20 goal of only 55%, but this is great progress! Check out the graph at 4.4 Reduce Single Occupancy Vehicle Usage, or read the attached files for more details.

     

     

    Attached Files: 

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