As part of our Campus Sustainability month, we want to introduce you to the student leaders who are leaving their mark on the sustainable future of Florida State. Meet Julio, the current reCycle Bike Program Coordinator. This senior majoring in English Editing, Writing & Media has been using a bike throughout his time at FSU. He first found out about the program during his freshman year, when his reCycle Bike really came in handy.

What made you want to get involved with reCycle Bike?

I had a really good experience with my recycle bike during both semesters of my freshman year, so I wanted everyone to be able to have a good experience with it as well. It really changed the way I moved around campus and how fast I could get to class; I could leave my apartment thirty minutes later (I could sleep for thirty minutes longer) because I didn’t have to worry about parking on campus or catching a bus.

What is the most fun part of cycling?

I really like going fast, and a motorcycle isn’t really an option yet. I really like the thrill and the wind in my face.

What is your favorite bike?

Definitely my own bike. I saved up for a few months to get it. It’s a Raleigh Redux 1 and its fast and light and everything I wanted my bike to be. I don't plan on replacing it.

Its campus sustainability month, can you talk about the impact of the reCycle Bike program on campus sustainability?

Yeah so, campus sustainability is heavily impacted by how many people choose to ride bikes. Or more specifically, how many people choose not to drive. Cars are obviously one of the biggest contributors of carbon emissions and cutting down on that is hugely beneficial for the sustainability of the campus.

What goals do you have for the program?

One of the things I'm looking forward to most is a co-op bike ride hosted along with other bike organizations in Tallahassee. I also want to teach more people about bike safety and maintenance. We’re doing our first Pop-Up Bike Servicing event October 30th at 2 PM for students to bring their bikes by for basic maintenance and repair evaluations.

What do you wish more students knew about cycling?

Hm. Perhaps how much fun it can be and how healthy it can be for you. Not just physically, but also mentally. It's a great way to stay fit because it's fun but also it's a great way to clear your head.

What’s your wildest bike story?

I have a few, my favorite is when I was renting a reCycle Bike for my second semester. I think it was bike 72, a single speed racing bike. I was pedaling hard down High Road and I went to lean into a turn but forgot to account for the weight of my backpack. The backpack upset my weight and made the rear tire slide out from under me. My face hit the concrete and I skipped like a rock at close to thirty miles an hour. Luckily I was fine except for my pride. My face was bleeding but my limbs were intact. I don't ride that fast anymore! Note to ALL: always wear a helmet.

Any tips you want to share?

Mostly, have strong brakes. Good brakes are the difference between getting hurt and not getting hurt. I like to ride often and I like going fast and I can't tell you how many times my brakes have saved me or saved someone else by keeping me from hitting them.

The FSU reCycle Bike program is getting FSU students on bikes! We provide an easy and affordable way for students to choose a more sustainable mode of transportation. We also encourage everyone at FSU to adopt healthier lifestyles by riding their bikes to, from, and around campus. We aim to reduce the amount of cars driven to and on campus, decrease the amount of abandoned bikes piled up in landfills, and provide affordable transportation to students.

FSU students are able to rent one of our 80+ refurbished bicycles for a nominal fee for the semester or for the academic year. The rental fee includes a brand new helmet, lock, front and rear lights, as well as a free Bike Eat Shop Tallahassee (BEST) lifetime membership. A BEST subscription allows members to receive deals at local restaurants and shops as long as they have the member sticker on their helmet. Learn more about how you can get involved on the reCycle Bike Facebook page.