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MSU awarded $15,000 grant for bicycle education

22 March 2017

The Kentucky Bicycle and Bikeway Commission awarded a $15,000 Paula Nye Grant to Morehead State University’s Sustainability department to create a Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Program.

“The Commissioners are impressed with the progress that Morehead is making in support of cycling infrastructure, education, and events,” said William Gorton III, KBBC chair. “We look forward to status reports related to progress and the success of your accomplishments.”

“MSU does what they say they are going to do and has a track record of producing great results,” said Joe Bowen, KBBC Commissioner. “It ties into adventure tourism and there is more concern about health. We have an incredible place in Eastern Kentucky and we want to expand on resources and share it with the world.”

The check was presented during the Kentucky Trail Town Summit held at the Morehead Conference Center.

Monies will go toward multiple cycling projects on campus.

“This will go toward creating an education program that distributes information about bicycle safety and awareness. We will be purchasing eight fitness bikes and two mountain bikes to add to the fleet at the Outdoor Adventure center,” said Holly Niehoff, sustainability and safety specialist. “We also will be instituting a bike registration process, offering bicycle classes through the Outdoor Adventure program and technical classes on bike maintenance by Switchback Cycling.”

Additionally, two Bike Fixit Stations will be installed- one at the Outdoor Adventure center and one between Lappin Hall and the Bert T. Combs Building.

Two staff members also will become certified by the League of American Bicyclists to instruct class instructors.

Last year, MSU was recognized as a “Bicycle Friendly University” by the League of American Bicyclists and given a silver designation.

“Using these financial resources to educate and raise awareness will provide more opportunities for the students and campus community to experience the fun and fitness benefits of cycling,” said Neihoff. “I’m very excited about this grant and the projects involved. MSU is proactive and the upcoming Eagle Walk project will make our main campus more pedestrian and bicycle friendly.”

For more information on cycling programs, contact Niehoff at 606-783-2584 or visit www.moreheadstate.edu/earthwise.

Pictured above, from left: Joe Bowen, KBBC commissioner; Vince Carman, KBBC commissioner; Troy Hearn, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, State Pedestrian and Bicycle coordinator; Holly Niehoff, sustainability and safety specialist; Jason Hilton, Recreation and Wellness assistant director; and Shayla Menville, Office of Facilities Management marketing and communication manager.