UNL’s Outdoor Adventures Center has allowed Craig Munier to trim his daily commute in half — at least in terms of wheels on the road.
The director of Scholarships and Financial Aid is among the first to use UNL’s first dedicated bike commuter facility. The space includes 22 bike lockers that offer protection from weather and theft, and a shower/locker room open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is part of Campus Recreation’s Outdoor Adventures Center, a 13,000-square-foot facility that opened in May at 930 N. 14th St., and includes a world-class climbing structure, bike repair shop, outdoor gear rentals, and meeting/classroom space.
“I said that if the Rec Center built a bike commuter facility, then I would come and be one of the first adopters,” Munier said. “This summer, I put my money where my mouth was. It has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. This place is phenomenal.”
The lockers are located on the east side of the Outdoor Adventures Center, each offering enough space to store a bike and a hook to hang a helmet or small bag. Jordan Messerer, assistant director for Outdoor Adventures, said about a third of the lockers are being rented.
“This is the gold standard for bike parking and protection,” Messerer said. “We really haven’t promoted it to campus yet. When word gets out, these lockers are going to be very popular.”
The cost to rent a bike locker per month is $20 for Campus Rec members and $40 for non-members. Shower lockers are an additional $3 for members and $8 for non-members.
The facility includes locker rooms and shower space for both men and women. One shower is gender neutral.
Since signing up in July, Munier has ridden his bike to work all but four days. His commute covers eight miles and takes about 30 minutes — Munier’s best time is 27 minutes, 58 seconds.
“I’m getting 60 minutes of cardiovascular activity every day and I’ve never felt better,” Munier said. “Biking this summer has helped me lose weight. It’s a great stress reliever and I’ve reduced my carbon footprint.
“I recommend biking in general and use of this fabulous bike commuter facility to everyone.”
For more information on the bike commuter facility and the Outdoor Adventures Center, go to http://crec.unl.edu/outdoor-adventures-center or call 402-472-3467.
