Danny Doherty | Summer Kent Stater

Credit: DKS Editors

Kent State faculty and staff are encouraged to bike, walk or take a bus to work this Friday to save money on gas, help the environment or just get in shape.

Parking Services and various co-sponsors organized the first “Fuel-Less Friday,” or “Bike/Hike/Bus to Work” day this Friday at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center.

The Rec will be offering bike rentals for $15 Aug. 7 through Aug. 11. Also, a free continental breakfast will be provided starting at 7 a.m. Friday. Shower facilities will be open to employees at the same time.

Jason Hawk, marketing coordinator of Recreational Services, said the center just started renting bikes this summer and this is the first time the center is promoting the bike rentals.

There’s been a demand for bike rentals at the rec center because of the extension of the Portage Hike and Bike Trail, he said.

Weekend rentals normally cost $30, but this weekend they will be half price. Daily rentals will cost $15 in the future.

The purpose of the event is to promote alternatives to driving.

“With rising fuel costs and the economy being the way it is, we are looking for people to take alternative transportation,” Hawk said.

Participants can register between 7 and 10 a.m to win prizes such as a gift certificate for Marty’s Bike Shop in Stow.

Debora Miller, assistant manager of Parking Services, was involved in planning the event. She said students can participate, even though the event targets Kent State employees. Miller hopes to include students in future similar events.

“This is the first, and with the first you never know what the participation level is going to be,” she said. “But it’s also a chance to gauge the interest and adjust the program accordingly.”

Because Fridays are traditionally dress-down days for faculty and staff, Miller said employees may be more inclined to jump on a bike wearing jeans instead of business attire.

Parking Services, Transportation Services, Recreational Services, Design Solutions, Exercise, Leisure and Sport and PARTA all sponsored the event.

Contact news editor Kiera Manion-Fischer at [email protected] .