One of The University of Tampa’s own won General Mills’ “Bikes for A Better U” grand prize sweepstakes, donating 15 brand new Cycle Force bikes to the university.
Kealy McNeal, a freshman Marine Science major was attending the Pirate Fest festivities with friends this past January when she came upon pamphlets advertising to “win bikes for your university.”
According to McNeal, she filled out the pamphlet and forgot all about it.
That is, until last week, when she was informed by the president of “Bikes for A Better U” that she was the grand-prize winner.
“I’ve never won anything, so I’m excited that I get to give this back to UT,” McNeal said.
“The bikes are being delivered this summer and will be available for student use this fall semester.”
These bikes will allow UT to establish their first ever bicycle-sharing program to help students that may not have vehicles to get around campus and the city easier.
High fuel costs and environmentally friendly alternatives are also motives for colleges to establish bicycle-sharing programs.
The storage location and renting method of the bikes are still unknown. Members of the Office of Student Leadership and Engagement and Student Government will be meeting up this summer to determine how the bikes will best benefit students, said Stephanie Russell Holz, associate dean of students.
Josh can be reached at janapier@ut.edu.