After leadership changes at the end of last year rendered the YouPower bike room nearly forgotten, new management and programming boosted bike use during J-term.
YouPower was founded in 2012 by a group of students who turned to MiddSTART, the College’s microphilanthopy network, to raise money for 10 spin bikes linked to generators to be connected to the College’s energy grid. Watt-hours produced by students riding the bikes go directly into powering the College.
Located in the Freeman International Center, the YouPower bike room has been used for individual riding sessions, free student-led classes, private classes and Watt-A-Thons — relay-style events in which teams compete to produce the largest amount of energy in a set period of time.
YouPower’s struggle stems from a lack of continuity. In the past, seniors would assume leadership roles, spend several months organizing classes and schedules and then graduate, leaving YouPower without a leader. This year alone, YouPower classes did not begin until November.
After this period of uncertainty, Nan Philip ’16.5 and Spencer Petterson ’14 are at the helm of YouPower and are working to improve programming, increase regular use and set future goals.
Petterson first became involved with YouPower in Fall 2012 when she served as an instructor. After a call for new managers went out over the summer, she decided to seek a leadership position.
“It was something that I really didn’t want to see die,” Spencer said noting the ecological impact YouPower can have and the value of it being a student-run initiative.
“It took a while for us to get it [YouPower] reorganized,” said Philip, who cited a string of miscommunications and misunderstandings as a roadblock to YouPower’s success.
In spite of past struggles, a recent boost in support has left Philip optimistic about YouPower’s future. Petterson noted Operations and Events Manager Franklin Dean-Farrar and members of the Student Government Association (SGA) who helped to boost operations and instructing YouPower’s leaders on exercise safety rules and regulations.
The location of the YouPower bike room on the north end of campus, adjacent to Ross, Coffrin, Atwater and the Chateau, offers an alternative to the athletic center.
“The YouPower room is a great alternative to the gym, especially because I live in Ross and that’s a long, cold walk in the winter,” said Rachel Kinney ’16.5, who plans to use YouPower throughout the spring semester.
As of Jan. 23, 323 students used YouPower during J-term, with most staying on the bikes for 30-60 minutes. The average watt-hours generated by students in an hour-long session is enough to power two 60-watt light bulbs for an hour.
YouPower currently has six student-instructors registered, some of whom are officially certified to teach classes and others who are merely passionate about spinning. Philip and Petterson are looking to expand their roster and bring on new leadership. Information about YouPower student-led courses, open ride hours and becoming involved with the bike room can be found at go/youpower.
“It’s cool … to think about the amount of energy needed for even the simplest things,” Petterson said. “It’s amazing to realize that after I turn my lights off, I would have to bike for an hour just to get them running again for that amount of time.”
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