New UMW biking club cycles onto students’ radar

by NOAH FELLINGER

Staff Writer

A new student-led biking club has emerged at the University of Mary Washington. The club aims to encourage students to use bicycles not just as a mode of transportation but also as a gateway to community engagement.

Senior historic preservation major Max Steinbaum is spearheading the initiative. He emphasizes that bikes are more than just a sport or a means of travel; they offer students financial relief from gas expenses, a safer alternative to driving and a way to connect with the broader Fredericksburg community. 

Steinbaum says the idea for the club was initially inspired by local biking advocates, including former Fredericksburg Trails Alliance President Lynn Faust and area cycling coaches Jason Kilby, Todd Helpling and Oliver Harris, who expressed interest in developing a collegiate biking team.

“For different students, [biking] will serve different purposes, whether they’re just scooting around town,” Steinbaum said. “But I hope that through this club, we can build the knowledge of bikes—why isn’t my gear working, why is everything squeaking, and how can I enjoy my ride a little bit better and feel safer?”

While the club is still in its early stages, Steinbaum’s mission is clear: increase student enthusiasm and knowledge about cycling. The club welcomes all students and requires only a bike to join. 

Located in a relatively pedestrian-friendly city, UMW students have easy access to various biking trails, including the nearby Canal Path, a 5K loop known for its accessibility. For those looking for more adventurous routes, the Fredericksburg Trails Alliance maintains approximately 35 miles of natural surface trails in the area, including the Quarry and Mott’s Run trail systems.

For some students, like junior business administration major Allyson Hastings, a bike could be an appealing and practical solution for getting around campus. She typically walks to class, and noted that a bike would allow her to park farther away and still reach her destination quickly. However, she admitted that cost is a significant barrier.

“I’m actually on a budget,” she said. “Because I currently don’t have a job right now, I’m trying to spend less money than I normally would. I want to buy a good bike, but I don’t want to buy a cheap one that’s bad.”

Steinbaum hopes the club can alleviate some of these concerns by partnering with local bike shops to offer student discounts. When Hastings learned that joining the club could provide a 15% to 20% discount at certain Fredericksburg bike shops, she was intrigued.

“That’s actually really interesting. I’d probably join the club if that’s the case,” she said.

Though Steinbaum and a few community members currently make up the club, he hopes to attract new members by hosting more events and rides. 

The first official group ride is set for April 4, with a planned route around the Canal Path and a stop at the Quarry Trail System. Steinbaum has also been setting up biweekly tabling at the Cedric Rucker University Center to assist students with bike repairs and promote the club’s activities.

Additionally, the club plans to hold community outreach events where members will help students with bike repairs and maintenance. Hastings expressed interest in such an initiative, especially if it provided free advice or assistance.

“If they give me advice on how to fix my bike, or if they fix it for me, then yeah, I’d definitely go to that,” she said.

Some students view the bike club as an opportunity to increase the greater Fredericksburg area’s community and improve the infrastructure for bikers. 

“I would be open to biking around town since biking is good exercise and it would encourage the construction of bike racks and other safety features that protect bikers in Fredericksburg,” said Joseph Gasink, an environmental science and biology double major.

Looking ahead, Steinbaum envisions the club evolving into a collegiate cycling team that competes in semi-local and regional races. However, his primary goal remains simple: to get students excited about cycling and equip them with the knowledge to ride confidently and safely.

“If you’re hesitant about getting out on a ride, I’d encourage you to come talk bikes,” Steinbaum said. “Make time for that group ride—you’ll meet a bunch of locally minded people that love riding. It’ll be a calm, relaxing, and enthusiastic no-drop ride where everyone’s got each other’s back.”