UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Will Mitchell, an undergraduate student on the Penn State Student Sustainability Advisory Council, is currently completing research and a subsequent thesis on the primary constraints in keeping people from riding their bikes more often, mainly for their daily commutes.
Mitchell believes in the mutual benefits of biking and hopes to reveal information that could potentially contribute to more sustainable commuting practices at the University Park campus.
“In the process, I began to see the substantial benefits bicycle transportation can have for an individual, the larger community and the world,” he said. “These benefits have an effect on the environment, the economy, and personal health and well-being, to name a few areas.”
Mitchell plans to utilize the resources of Penn State to invoke a widespread shift towards the use of more sustainable practices.
“Penn State is an institution unmatched in sheer size, alumni network activity, state involvement, research and general societal impact,” Mitchell said. “Others will surely follow in our path when they see the opportunities these shifts can bring."
Currently, Mitchell is conducting a survey to discover why the majority of people are not using bikes on a day-to-day basis.
“My findings could help guide projects and direction of resources to most affect the population at Penn State,” he said. “Granted, this is not the only survey ever done on biking at Penn State, but at least I would hope it adds to the knowledge and the urgency of effective and equitable change that is needed.”
The Penn State community is now being asked to help Mitchell with his work by completing his survey. Faculty, staff, students and alumni are all able to participate. To complete the survey, click here.
The survey will close at 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 6.