Rutgers-Newark Students Will Pedal Through the Scenic Fall Foliage at Branch Brook Park During Annual Autumn Bike Ride

Members of the Media Are Welcome to Ride Along on Wednesday, Oct. 16 and Monday, Oct. 21, 2013

WHO: The Rutgers Commuter Transit and Parking Services (CTPS) will be hosting Rutgers-Newark’s annual Autumn Bike Ride to and through Branch Brook Park, part of a green commuting campaign called GREEN PEDAL ADVENTURE (GPA). For Rutgers-Newark participants, there are 25 bikes available to students, with lunch and various giveaways provided to all participants.

WHAT: Students will be introduced to some of the scenic amenities of Newark, New Jersey, namely Branch Brook Park. The bike ride is intended to encourage use of the University’s Bike Program and to encourage students to commute ‘green’, as Rutgers-Newark seeks to establish an environmentally friendly commuting culture.

WHEN: Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2013, 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. and Monday, Oct. 21, 2013 at 11:30 a.m. -2:30 p.m.

WHERE: Riders will meet at the Rutgers-Newark Bicycle Park, located at 154 University Avenue, Newark, on the Rutgers University – Newark campus.

BACKGROUND: The event aims to promote “biking” as an alternative means of commuting and also as a healthy recreational activity. It is scheduled during the free period of the Rutgers-Newark students. The Autumn Bike Ride is designed to encourage “green” commuting behavior in addition to enlightening the Rutgers-Newark students on the recreational possibilities that the City of Newark has to offer. Representatives from Brick City Bike Collective, Newark Bike Exchange and the Rutgers Police and Public Safety department will share awareness to the participants about biking, bike areas within the City of Newark and safety tips for bike riders.

CTPS has established facilities such as loaner bikes, bike lockers and the bike park for the Rutgers-Newark community to avail and enjoy the benefits of biking.

CONTACT: Jasmine Gendrano, Program Coordinator, (973)353-3746 (office) and (201)936-8552, or jasg@ rutgers.edu