Bikes at School: Getting There Green

Three things... wouldn't it be more of a liability for the school to know that kids are riding to school and NOT providing them with a proper bike lock.. ya know something more sturdy then a fence that people can't cut through.

Maybe no one ever rides their bike to school because there isn't anywhere to properly lock up their bikes. Look at UB and what happened after they installed a couple bike racks near the bus stop. Ridership has basically exploded. Where once were 5 - 10 bikes are now 30 - 40. That is like going back to 1940 and saying.. why bother building highways, no one really drive now away.

Risk of theft is always going to be there. Whether there is or isn't a rack, whether there is or isn't a guard. He will step away and any real criminal will know when he takes his breaks and just show up then.

Elena:

Great work! It looks like a solution is at hand.

as an aging biker, I was shocked to think that Bflo Public Schools would discourage such a positive activity.

**** Kern

BRO's auto censor think is kind of amusing sometimes... This is the second time I have noticed it blocked words because it has no context.

"Greco recalled an incident when a bike was stolen from a school fence when the thief cut through the fence, taking the bike and its lock. "I don't have a rack, and I don't want a rack. Cars on Johnson Park get broken into, and even if I did have a rack, it would need supervision. I would need to put a security guard on it." He said the vast majority of students ride the bus and that there are very few bikes anyway."
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Please allow me, a long-time resident of Johnson Park, respond to Mr. Greco's remarks.
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When the Joint Schools Reconstruction Project was active at the Hutch-Tech site, we were certain that soomething would have been done to provide secure, on-site parking for bicycles. Afterall, the use of bicycles would contribute to healthier lifestyles for the students and teachers; reduce emissions and exhaust; and stimulate even further interest in this essential mode of transportation for our future. When no bike racks were found on school property, we were quite surprised. So, in developing the Johnson Park Restoration Fund, we decided to plan for bike racks in the park. We've already ordered them and feel we can reposition them when the additional construction of the running track the students will be able to use starts.
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We did so knowing that car break-ins have greatly reduced in the area over the past three years due to the hard work and diligence of local residents working to create a stronger and safer community. That's why we received an All-America City Civic Empowerment award.
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In fact, in investigating any and all break-ins that have occurred in the past two years, we have discovered one underlying issue - most vehicle owners say the same thing -"My (computer/GPS/CD Holder - you fill in the blank) was right there and they broke the window and took it/them." Of course, I'm paraphrasing here, but car pops and break-ins occur throughout our Region due to vehicle owner neglect in assuring they have put everything out of sight.
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I can't remember a time when local residents have experienced a car pop without having items visible in their vehicles. I guess that's the success of community education that transcends location. The more you dialogue, the more advised you are. You don't have to jeapordaize healthy lifestyles and slap down rules and regulations without considering every circumstance - eventually coming up with a positive solution that benefits most.
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I'm surprised at Mr. Greco's remarks. They seem short-sighted and almost imperialistic, lacking consideration... Sad, very sad.

Amazing response from Greco. Hopeful response from Williams and Jacobs. I have fond memories of riding my bike to school - I don't think I locked it but it wasn't worth stealing.

Do they assign a guard for their parking lot?

Maybe they should get rid of the parking lot.

A couple more things:

- In going past Hutch-Tech a few moments ago I thought f what a sensational look it would be to have rows of bike racks on the upper level between the rarely used front doors and the Chippewa Street side. What a commentary when those racks would be filled with bikes! It would show our young people and their teachers appreciate the need for greener forms of transportation.

- Additionally, if car pops on Johnson Park are so concerning, why is it that residents cannot park on the street during school hours? Seems the danger eludes most students and teachers.

The parking lot is for teachers only. Students have to park on Whitney or Johnson Park.

The security official is nothing more than a hall monitor with a two way radio

My God! what silly talk from this Principal!

Here is an idea.

Since car break-ins seem to be a major concern at the school the teacher parking lot should be immediately closed down and all teachers directed not to drive to school.

Is there really that much risk of bike theft for a properly locked bike. I find it amazing that any major building renovation these days does not include bike racks.

Great example of punishing the victim. If a kid had his sneakers stolen, would the principal ban sneakers?

Once again: put a bike rack inside. Problem solved.

therealsbrof said:

"That is like going back to 1940 and saying.. why bother building highways, no one really drive now away."

If only we could. alas.

Greco is the same principal who violated state law by automatically enrolling incoming freshman in JROTC, and then whined about it when it came to light. His performance on the bike issue isn't out of character.

When Hutchinson Central HS was built, it contained two large rooms on the lower level which were designated bike rooms. Many of Buffalo's high schools were designed with these rooms on the lower level. They had their own doors from the exterior, so riding a bike to school was actually an accepted practice. Over the years, these spaces were converted to other uses and the students were no longer encouraged to ride to school on bikes, rather they were provided with Metro passes.

The BPS is currently planning for the installation of bike racks at all the schools. However, as the article hints, there is much resistance at indiviual buildings, ususally starting with the school principal. The policy is in place, it's getting it implemented which is the tough part.