Campus Recycling Program
Bicycle Route Manual

Purpose and Goals

The Campus Recycling Program Bicycle route was established to service isolated recycling sites in a manner representing an efficient and eco-friendly use of financial, capital, human and natural resources. The successful implementation of the route has saved the Program and the University labor costs, motor vehicle maintenance, and fossil fuel consumption.

These savings have been achieved through a combination of careful planning and the dedication of the student recyclers assigned to the route. We are committed to the continued success and future expansion of the bicycle route, and we hope that you are as well. We ask that you contribute to this success through: 1.) A commitment to the goals of this project; 2.) An acceptance of the responsibilities inherent in it; and 3.) A willingness to evaluate the route for potential improvements and to communicate those ideas to the Student Recycling Coordinator. And, of course, a willingness to work hard and in a highly professional manner is crucial.

The following material is intended convey the Program's expectations of all employees working the bike route. Failure to meet these expectations, or disregard for the policies enumerated, are grounds for disciplinary action ranging from removal from the bike route to complete termination of your employment with the Campus Recycling Program.

General Expectations

Training for and assignment to the bicycle route is reserved for only our top employees -- those student recyclers who have shown initiative, an excellent work ethic, trustworthiness, resourcefulness, and a demonstrated ability to follow through on tasks and expectations in an unsupervised setting. As such, we expect that you are already fully aware of the importance of a continued demonstration of these traits.

We specifically ask that you observe the following as part of your bicycle route assignment:

•  Work efficiently and steadily.

•  Take a 20-minute rest break at the mid point of the shift somewhere on route. Don't "save" breaks for the purpose of leaving the shift early, and don't journey off-route to take breaks.

•  If finished with the route early, contact your Coordinator. S/he may have additional duties. If s/he is unavailable, return to the Trailer. Don't "stretch" the route to fill the time allotted.

•  Communicate, communicate, communicate. Report all problems with the route, sites, equipment, and your personal health and well-being to the Student Recycling Coordinator -- upon return to the Trailer, or immediately via pager or telephone, as the situations warrants. Similarly, share your suggestions for improvements to or expansion of the route with your Coordinator. We cannot improve without your input.

•  Minimize interactions with and interruptions by friends or acquaintances you may encounter while on the route. You will be out in the campus community in a very visible capacity. Although you can't control who you meet, you can (and will be expected to) take control of these encounters and explain to friends that you are working and cannot talk, go for coffee, let them "try out" your bike, etc. Manage these situations professionally and keep on task.

•  Follow all safety policies (see below).

•  Keep the equipment in good working condition (see below) and report problems or suggestions for improvements to the Student Recycling Coordinator.

Safety Policies

The very nature of performing a bicycle route entails certain extenuating safety concerns and needs. Bicycle riding is in and of itself an activity requiring caution and awareness. Additionally, your bike route will take you into areas throughout campus and the surrounding thoroughfares in which you'll be sharing traffic routes with cars, buses, trucks, pedestrians, and children -- drawn from both the campus community and the general public. Be alert, aware, courteous, patient, respectful -- and awake. Work/ride in a professional manner and represent the Program well.

The following represent the most salient safety concerns and policies. At all times, however, you will also be expected to exercise good independent judgment and to communicate any safety concerns or questions you may have to your Coordinator:

1. Wear a bike helmet at times while riding. NO Exceptions! The Program will provide one. Should you prefer to wear your own helmet, a Coordinator must approve it first.
2. Use only Program bikes for the route. Personal bikes are not allowed for route use.
3. Observe all rules of the road (stopping, speed, yielding, signaling, etc.). All traffic laws which apply to motor vehicles also apply to bicycles. Know them and follow them. Any traffic citations issued to you while on the route are your (financial and personal) responsibility, and may affect your position on the bike route crew.
4. Protect yourself from the elements. Use sunscreen and drink plenty of fluids (water is recommended) in hot and/or sunny weather. Wear raingear, head protection and warm clothing in inclement weather.
5. Use the bicycle headlight and taillights when a route extends into dusk, darkness, or overly raining weather.
6. Be as visible and audible as possible. Warn pedestrians vocally when passing.
7. Carry with you and use proper PPE (safety glasses, ear protection, gloves). this is imperative to your safety. NO exceptions!

Bicycle and Trailer Use     

Riding a publicly owned bicycle "for hire" should be approached the same as driving a publicly owned motor vehicle for hire. Exercise respect for the equipment and observe all safety policies. Do not ride the bikes in a way which places undue stress or wear-and-tear on them or their components parts -- even if this requires you to amend your own ingrained, personal riding habits. In particular:

1. Do not ride/pedal hard while shifting gears, especially when traveling uphill. Always ease up and pedal at a moderate rate when shifting gears.
2. Avoid riding over potholes, curbs, debris, and other obstructions, which could damage the tires, rims, forks, or your own body.
3. Never leave an unattended bike or trailer unlocked.
4. Keep the bike and trailer clean. Wipe/wash them off after each use.

Equipment Pre-Operation Inspection and Maintenance

Each member of the bike route crew is expected to inspect the equipment prior to each route, report problems immediately and prior to using it, and do his or her part to help maintain it in good working order. Included in the route equipment is the bicycle, trailer, and all containers and hold-down straps required for efficient and safe operation.

Prior to each use, perform a pre-operation check and complete the Pre-Operation Inspection Checklist, which details each item to be inspected and/or tested (see sample attached). Separate sections are included on the checklist for the:

•  Bicycle

•  Trailer

•  Recycling collection and transport equipment

Operational Procedures    

1. Begin your Bike Route shift by checking in with a Coordinator and completing the pre-work stretch routine. After stretches are completed, take the time to ensure that you have the proper weather gear for the time of year (raingear, warm clothing, sunscreen, drinking water, etc.), as well as PPE and a helmet. Get your route sheet and keys from the Coordinator and read it carefully in his/her presence. Ask questions, if needed. Retrieve all area and building maps required for the route.
3. Proceed to the bike and trailer storage facility. Upon arrival, complete the pre-operation checklist as indicated, hitch the trailer to the bike, secure all equipment, and proceed on route.
5. Conduct the route as per the route slip and in an efficient geographical progression. Make sure to lock the equipment at all times when in a building, and secure the containers and equipment when travelling between sites.
7. Routes end with a complete sorting of all recyclables collected on the route, followed by cleaning and securing the equipment. Allow time on your route for completion of these tasks. Make sure to return the keys and clipboard back to the Coordinator.

THANKS FOR ALL YOUR HELP. Have fun, be safe, and keep up the good work!!!

Routes are determined by the Coordinator and may involve regular, weekly routes based upon the shift and day of the week. The bike route service areas are as follows (each route will involve only a subset of these service areas - this listing is for your information only):

 
Bicycle Check Sheet

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