With this Green Effect grant, Palo Alto College will be able to extend its focus of community empowerment by creating a “Small Steps on Bike Pedals” Go Green and Lean ¡Viva Verde! Bike Sharing Initiative that will be an inspiration for all of San Antonio, one of the fattest cities in the United States. The initiative will foster environmentally responsible citizens who choose to bike rather than drive; will reduce our consumption of non-renewable energy; will improve our air quality; will protect our campus’ indigenous plants and wildlife; and will encourage more people to visit our beautiful college.

The “Small Steps on Bike Pedals” Bike Sharing Initiative will be self-sustaining via leadership opportunities throughout its development, implementation, and continuation by students, faculty, staff, and neighbors who will share the knowledge they’ve gained with others.

The Green Effect grant will underwrite the immediate purchase of:
• 100 Used/Donated Bikes that will be spray-painted day-glow green – available free to ride around our 132-acre campus ($4,000)
• 6 Student-Designed Sculptural Bike Racks – materials/fabrication ($6,000)
• Bike Shed – including extra bicycle parts, tires, tubes, and tools ($8,000)
• 5 Free Bicycle Maintenance Workshops ($2,000)

In addition, classroom integration of skills will be promoted (e.g. designing a website/logo, planning/executing wellness activities).

So, when it comes to making our world a little greener, the “Small Steps on Bike Pedals” of this Green and Lean initiative will definitely add up to meaningful progress and positive change for our campus, our neighborhood, and our city.