Skip the headache of finding a parking spot on campus or the 10-minute wait on your Tiger Transit. Just bike to campus.
Bike jams don't exist or make you late to class, bikes are easy to park and it is good aerobic exercise.
Biking is pollution-free and causes hardly any wear and tear to city streets.
Even if you don't own a bike, the City of Auburn's bicycle committee has made it possible through the bike loaner program.
The program offers the free use of bicycles and helmets for all citizens and visitors to Auburn who are 19 years of age and older.
Take a valid form of photo identification to 365 N. Donahue Drive to loan a bike.
There is a two-week loan period, and the bicycles must be on time so that others can enjoy the benefits of the program.
Thanks to the bicycle committee, the League of American Bicyclists has named the city of Auburn a bicycle-friendly community.
"The committee meets to help determine where we can educate cyclists and what we can do to encourage cycling," said Brandy Ezelle, city traffic engineer and bicycle committee coordinator.
The committee provides weekly bike rides, a bike-rack program, a routing plan and other helpful information available on their website, www.auburnalabama.org/cycle.
While bikes are a wise choice of transportation, riders must be smart and follow safety rules.
"Bicyclists are supposed to obey all the rules of the road just as if you are in a vehicle, " said Will Mathews, Auburn police lieutenant.
Sidewalks are for pedestrians only, and bikes must stay on the roadway.
Traffic signs and rules apply to bikers, and they must ride along with traffic, not against.
"Bikers' violations are the same as being in a car. They are identical to a violation you would get in a car," Mathews said.
The penalty for bicycling on a sidewalk is a maximum fine of $100.
Bikes must be parked in a bike rack, not attached to trees, light poles or flowerbeds. Any person who parks a bicycle in an illegal spot also will be punished with a $100 maximum fine.
Mathews said helmets should be worn at all times.
"The helmet is a lifesaver. It's undisputed," he said.
If biking at night, have a headlight bright enough to be seen at a distance of at least 500 feet. A red reflector on the rear of the bicycle should be visible for a distance of at least 300 feet.
Reflective clothing is also suggested.
For more safety tips visit www.travelwithcareauburn.com.
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