Outside many Geneva buildings, the bike racks are overflowing. The number of bicycles on campus has been steadily growing over the past couple of years, but this fall has seen a dramatic increase.

Every cyclist has their reason for choosing two wheels instead of four. Jake Leifer works with the Coalition for Christian Outreach (CCO) as a student minister on Geneva’s campus. He says cycling is about "slowing down life at a time when everyone is worried about how fast things can be done."

Bikes offer inexpensive transportation, exercise and a closer connection with community. In other words, it is freeing. Leifer explains, "Bikes are less complicated than cars; with a bike, I know that I can fix it and at a low cost, it eases my mind. Also, I can enjoy where I'm going while I'm traveling. I'm meshing exercise and transportation and I get to see a lot more of the town and countryside."

Geneva’s students have discovered this freeing experience as well. Larry Tepe, a junior student ministry major, rides his bike to class. “Initially, I bought my bike as a way to commute without paying for gas and to get more exercise. But the more I ride my bike the more I find that it connects me with my neighbors.” Whether it is kids playing on the street or a couple resting on their porch, being outside of a car offers the chance to say hello or stop and talk.

The Hub, a bike co-op founded by Leifer and other volunteers, allows student cyclists to earn or tune up a bike and share cycling experiences with one another. Christopher Olshefski, a senior English education major actively involved in The Hub, explains that "owning a bike has opened up many new opportunities. It is how I get my groceries, go to student teaching and connect with my friends." Taking him on many trips to New Brighton, Falling Water and Beaver, Olshefski’s rides have turned cycling from a necessity into a new favorite pastime.

- Caitlin Zeiset '10