(Reprinted with permission from The Spectator)
Hamilton has gotten a bit more glam with the introduction of the Gilded Bicycle Guild. The first week in November marked the commencement of the first communal bike system at Hamilton College as 20 golden bicycles were released for use by the entire community. According to Drew LaFiandra '07, mastermind behind the Guild, the project has thus far been a great success. He said, "I'm happy people are using the bikes and everything is going well."
After having his bike "borrowed" numerous times throughout his Hamilton career, LaFiandra was struck by the idea of having a set of bikes that anyone in the Hamilton community could use. The project began last year with the help of Taylor Janes '06 and with hard work and determination from a core group of volunteers, it has finally come to fruition.
The Gilded Bicycle Guild consists of a fleet of 20 used bikes, mostly classic 50's-era one- and three- speeds. With funding from the Student Assembly, bikes were purchased from Welch's Bike Shop in Utica for $40 dollars each and are now property of Hamilton College.
In late October a group of students got together to spray paint the bikes gold on what LaFiandra called "a really fun day." After being painted, the bikes were all named by the students. LaFiandra wanted the names to "reflect the people who got the bikes here and the obscure and fun things behind the Guild." The names cover a broad range and are derived from five languages including Chinese, French and Italian. They include "Bucephalus," Alexander the Great's horse, Horton, Buttons, Checkers, and more. According to LaFiandra, "the names reflect the sweetness of the Gilded Bicycle Guild."
Although there are no specific rules for the Gilded Bicycle Guild, the system runs on the community taking responsibility and being respectful of the bikes. LaFiandra wants it to be understood that "they are your bikes but they are also everyone else's bikes." According to LaFiandra, the bicycles are "fair game" and "are there for you to take them where you want." If you see a bike you can hop on and pedal to wherever you need to go. This also means that if you ride a bike to the library it might not be there when you come out.
There are certain forms of etiquette that need to be followed in order for the Guild to be a success. First, don't hog the bikes. LaFiandra reveals that the "system runs on all of us treating the bikes as our own, while letting everyone else use them." He requests that bikes should try to stay on the main campus as the bikes are old and might not be up to the challenge of conquering College Hill. However, if you need to take a bike down the hill, make sure it gets back up. Furthermore, if you happen to find a bike lying around off campus, return it. LaFiandra asks, "be a part of the system."
Also, proper bike etiquette dictates that sidewalks are for pedestrians and roads and pathways are for bikers. If you must ride on Martin's Way, try to avoid busy times and walk or go slowly. LaFiandra would like bikers to "use roads or less traveled sidewalks." He emphasizes, "be responsible and safety first!"
Although there are still some things that need to be done with the bikes, LaFiandra says that after this weekend all 20 bicycles will have "no loose bolts and will be all ready to go." He requests that if you find a bike that is out of service, email him at alafiand@hamilton.edu so that repairs can me made with the help of the Bicycle Co-op. He says, "If you see a Golden bike I want you to be able to use it."
LaFiandra wanted to thank all those who have helped create the Golden Guild. He said, "I am truly overwhelmed seeing the different kinds of people using the bikes. I've gotten high five and handshakes. He added, "I'm really psyched the bikes are out and people are enjoying them."
-- by Mallory Reed '10
