Collegio Online

Issue date: 9/6/07 Section: Front Page

Rather than grumble about campus parking or high gas prices, Nathan Bartlett has taken a more proactive approach.
Bartlett, freshman in computer science, now scoots to class on a Roketa scooter and is reaping the benefits.
"I get 85 miles per gallon and save money on insurance, licensing and taxes," said Bartlett. "And I don't have to fight for parking in the brown parking lot, which saves a lot of time."
Bartlett spends about $250 on insurance per six months with his scooter, compared to over $600 for the same period with his SUV. And his weekend trips to Kansas City cost about $10 in gas money for a round trip.
Judy Prince, administrative specialist for campus police and parking, says that parking permits for motorcycles and scooters has been steadily increasing for the last several years.
"In the last two years, we have seen the number of motorcycle permits increase by 106," Prince said. "I would say the main reason is to save money on gas, and motorcycles are becoming more popular in general."
Students aren't the only ones considering alternate modes of transportation. Many have noticed Craig Fuchs, chairman of the Music Department, cruising to campus with his tie flinging behind as he rides his Yamaha Vino scooter.
"I get about 90 miles per gallon and have had no maintenance costs in the two years I've owned it," Fuchs said. "I wanted to avoid parking issues and gas was sky-high. Now one gallon of gas equals about three weeks to campus and back."
Mark Storm, salesman at Smith's Cycle Center in Pittsburg, has been in the motorcycle business for over 20 years and isn't surprised to see more two-wheelers on the road. He recently moved here from Dallas, Texas, where scooters and motorcycles are common.
"Dallas is a very large city, so people are always trying to find better ways to get around," Storm said. "The same thing goes for college campuses. The scooter craze is getting pretty big."
Smith's Cycle Center is not currently a franchise scooter dealer, but will be soon to meet demands of customers.
However, good ol' bicycles still rank No. 1 in gas mileage, and there are plenty of students who use them on campus. Roger Lomshek, owner of Tailwind Cyclists at 16th and Broadway, repairs and sells bikes, and even builds custom bikes for people who know exactly what they want.
"There has definitely been a boost in sales and people bringing in old bikes for repair," said Lomshek. "There has been a steady increase in gas prices and it can be pretty rough for someone with a brown pass to park close to their classes."

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