Henderson Oracle

Issue date: 9/15/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Alex Moore Zoom zoom - A motorcycle sits in one of the newly sanctioned 'green' parking spaces on campus. The spots are an effort to reward those who drive more environmentally friendly vehicles, such as motorcycles or mopeds.

Something new and green is popping up around campus parking lots: parking spaces. Some spaces that were originally for car parking have been painted green and halved to allow for more motorcycle and scooter parking on campus, which appears to be a growing need this year.

More and more students, faculty members and teaching staff are saying farewell to their four-wheeled vehicles and making the switch to two wheels this year.

Due to the constant rising of gas prices, motorcycles are becoming very favorable over cars for their good gas mileage. The new parking spaces were implemented this semester in response to this occurrence. They are being put to use and receiving positive feedback from the motorcycle riders.

"I really like these new spaces," said Chase McCollum, junior business major. "I have classes when it's real busy and it's hard to find a spot in the old motorcycle areas, so the new ones are saving me a lot of time and gas."

The idea was proposed by a group called the Sustainability Taskforce, a committee that is increasing the awareness of the need on campus to "be green," hence the green spaces. This is just the first act the taskforce, headed by Doris Wright, has put into action. They believe the spaces, along with other things to come, will inspire people to help make the quality of life in Arkansas a little better.

However, not everyone is thrilled about the "green" spaces. Some students who still drive cars see them as a bit of a nuisance. They see it more as having spaces taken away than being given.

"Motorcycle riders didn't have problems with parking before," said Blake Williams, sophomore nursing major. "It's hard enough to find a good parking space as it is. It doesn't help when spaces are made motorcycle only."

According to Officer Johnny Campbell, director of campus police, motorcycles and scooters will not require parking permits for the remainder of this academic year. Beginning in 2009-2010, however, permits will be issued for motorcycles and scooters.

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