04 Nov 2024 Walmart enhances Hendrix College campus bike fleet

CONWAY — Representatives from Walmart Corporate and Conway Walmart stores visited Hendrix College recently to celebrate the impact of a recent $2,500 gift: five new hybrid bicycles, now available for free check-out from Hendrix College’s Olin C. Bailey Library.

The fleet is maintained by Hendrix Bike Revolution, a student-run campus organization that offers free bicycle tune-ups and repairs to help foster a more bike-friendly community. Hendrix Bike Revolution team members Ted Bjurlin ’25, Amelia Lindsey ’25 and Avery Meyer ’28 attended the check presentation ceremony and also played a key role in assembling the new bikes with support from The Ride, a local bike shop that partnered with the organization.

“These bikes will make a big difference in maintaining the fleet,” said Bjurlin, an avid cyclist who began his Hendrix journey with a memorable ride from his hometown of Madison, Wisconsin, to campus in August 2021. “It means we can offer more people the chance to try out a bike and see how they like being able to get around the area on two wheels.”

“Walmart is committed to helping create bike-friendly communities, so this gift aligns with our goal to make cities more accessible for cyclists,” said Michael Lindsey, director of government relations for Walmart. Ryan Peters, who manages the Walmart just a mile from campus, added that he looks forward to seeing the new black and orange Hendrix-branded bikes when students use them to visit the store.

“This gift from Walmart strengthens our students’ access to Conway’s amenities and services, supporting a more connected and vibrant community,” said Hendrix Vice President for Advancement Meredith Brunen. “We are thrilled with Walmart’s partnership and investment in transportation to enhance our students’ engagement with the City of Colleges.”