Eastern Illinois University Sustainability - What You Can Do -- Driving Less

Driving Less

During the past academic year, well over 9,000 parking permits were purchased at Eastern Illinois University. With that many students, staff and faculty members using automobiles on campus, there are undoubtedly ways we could adjust our driving habits in order to reduce our environmental impact.

Many students and EIU personnel could get started by opting to walk to campus. Walking obviously benefits your physical fitness along with saving the atmosphere from your car’s emissions; for many, it’s just a matter of giving yourself an extra 15 minutes to get to campus on foot.

Off-campus students aren’t the only ones who could reduce their time behind the wheel. Students living on campus with a car should still aim to walk to off-campus destinations whenever possible. If you don’t want to walk, why not use the Panther Shuttle? With numerous on-campus stops along with frequent trips to Walmart, County Market, and the downtown square, the shuttle is a good way to avoid many of those necessary trips across town. Check out EIU's campus map for all panther shuttle bus stops.

EIU also offers bus service to the Chicago suburbs during certain weekends and during every holiday weekend and break. For students living in this region, this is a more environmentally friendly solution for traveling home. Amtrak also offers several routes throughout the state from its Mattoon station.

Bike Rental Program

Beginning in the Fall 2012 semester, EIU will implement a bike rental program for its students. Along with this program, a bicycle safety and repair course will be offered; attendance is mandatory in order to utilize the bike rental program, although the course will also be available for those interested in bike safety and repair but not participating in the rental program.

Students will be able to rent bikes for $50 per semester; a bike will be assigned to each participating student. When participants take possession of a rental bike, they'll be required to have their own helmet and bike lock on hand.

• Bike Class Registration Link
• Bike Rental Agreement Form
• Liability Waiver Form