Big Orange Bike debuts this semester
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Mary Talley with the Seretean Wellness Center prepares to take "Bobbie Jo" out for
a spin.
First there was the Big Orange Bus or “BOB.” Now there is “Bobbie Jo” the bicycle, complete with baskets on each side of her back wheels. Wellness Center employees will be using the bike to run errands on campus.
Wellness Center officials say they see big advantages to the bike, in addition to saving gas and avoiding parking problems. “Bobbie Jo will be a visible reminder to choose wellness. It’s not only cheap and quick, but it helps you stay in shape,” said Mary Talley, center activities coordinator.
Studies show the use of a bicycle or some other form of exercise, often prompts the user to make healthier food choices. Ultimately, the exercise and better food choices help an individual manage stress more effectively.
“You see it all relates. We’re not asking you to run a marathon or become a vegetarian, just to stop and think about the choices you’re making.”
Talley is hopeful that Bobbie Jo will be the first of many orange bicycles on the Stillwater campus. “Our goal is to generate interest among other departments among the colleges here and eventually have a ‘fleet’ of bikes. All of this fits in quite well with our Wellness Center goal of making OSU ‘America’s healthiest campus.’”
Talley is urging the various departments among the colleges on campus to consider orange bike purchases and contact her if they are interested at 405-744-6907.