Undercover Joe
Four to five bikes are stolen on campus every month. For students concerned that theirs might be next to disappear off of the bike rack, Ryerson’s bicycle room is worth checking out.
The new facility, located behind 110 Bond Street, is a safe, indoor place for students to store their bikes. But peace of mind comes with a price tag.
To use the secure facility, students must shell out $90.40 for the academic year or $135.60 for a full 12 month period.
Once a membership is purchased, students can access the facility with their Ryerson OneCards from 6:30 a.m. until 11 p.m. Outside of those hours students must call campus security who will escort them to their bikes.
Many concerned students have been asking for a bike room, said Chris Beininger, Ryerson’s security supervisor in charge of crime prevention.
But last week only six of the 60 bike racks were being used.
“It’s too expensive,” said Shauna Kewin, a second-year social work student who rides her bike to school.
“For most of the academic year there is snow on the ground. Most people don’t ride their bikes in winter,” she said.
“It’s just not worth 90 bucks for two or three months of storage.”
Arul Ananth has had two bikes, collectively worth $710, stolen in less than two years. But he thinks that the cost for the bike room isn’t worth it.
“Buy a cheap bike and lock it up in a well-lit, well-travelled area. We shouldn’t have to pay to lock up our bikes,” said the second-year criminal justice student.
With anywhere from two to 300 bikes locked up daily, Ryerson hopes the facility will help make campus a more biker-friendly environment, said Linda Grayson, the vice president of administration and finance. Some student bikers agree.
“I think it’s a great idea,” said Lauren Van Aggelen, an arts and contemporary studies student.
“Ryerson is providing us with a chance to guarantee the safety of our bikes. At least we have the option now,” she said.
3.5 expensive bike locks out of 5
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