Drury University says it will expand shared bike program

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- A university in southwest Missouri said a program that provides free bikes to students has been so successful that it plans to offer more bikes next semester.

Matt Miller, director of campus wellness for Drury University in Springfield, said all but two of the 40 bikes distributed to students at the start of the fall semester were returned. He said one bike was stolen and that it was unclear what happened to the other.

Drury is one of several colleges across the country that have started free bike programs to promote fitness, reduce carbon emissions and alleviate campus parking problems.

The Springfield News-Leader reported that a similar program will start this spring at Missouri State University in Springfield, after students approved paying a fee to fund it.