Students at the University of New England are getting free rides this year. On bicycles, that is.

Recently, the university allocated $50,000 to give any student a $480 bicycle. So, what’s the catch?

There is none — well, besides promising to keep your vehicle at home.

Interestingly, UNE isn’t alone in this. Several other colleges and universities around the nation are promoting the idea with programs of their own.

So come on, Iowa State. We want our free bikes too!

With Iowa State promoting sustainability through its “Live Green” campaign, we ask those on the president’s advisory committee on energy conservation and global climate change to take a serious look into giving students easier access to clean transportation.

Granted, students can rent a mountain bike from recreation services for $10 per day, but for that money it might be more economical to get a cab.

What we’re saying is that with the cost of gas, permits and — yes, parking tickets — it’d be refreshing to see a progressive program come out of the new campaign.

There have been problems with theft and vandalism at some schools, though. However, reception seems positive according to a recent New York Times article.

“We’re seeing an explosion in bike activity,” said Julian Dautremont-Smith, associate director of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education, a nonprofit association of colleges and universities. “It seems like every week we hear about a new bike sharing or bike rental program.”

This campus is already designed in some areas for both pedestrian and bicycle traffic.

Why not capitalize on it?

Whether it’s like Emory University who offers free bike rentals at six locations around its campus, or even St. Xavier University in Chicago that just started loaning out bikes to students at computer-controlled locations on its campus, this is one green innovation we’d like to see.

So please Iowa State, take a look at these programs already gaining steam across the country and consider it for us.

We’re not asking for handouts or free stuff, we’re asking for some initiative on your part.

We think you’d be surprised at the response.