New Safe Ride Program at Colorado State Operated for Students by Students

Colorado State University today kicked off "RamRide," a new safe ride program operated by the student government and staffed with student volunteers.

RamRide is aimed at improving the safety of the Fort Collins community by providing free, nonjudgmental rides to Colorado State students. Rides are available to RamRide callers Friday and Saturday from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. during the school year. RamRide provides rides without asking for the age of the rider or the reason that they need a ride.

"RamRide is about students taking responsibility for themselves," said Ben Goldstein, director of student services for the Associated Students of Colorado State University, the arm of the student government that oversees the program. "We’ve had tremendous interest from students who would like to volunteer as well as from students who are excited about using RamRide. Whether someone calls RamRide from the library or from a party, they can be sure they’ll receive a safe ride home."

Volunteers will be used for every aspect of the program, including manning the phone room, walking through targeted areas to encourage people to use the program and driving the vehicles that provide the rides. All volunteers are selected through an application process and go through an extensive training program, including defensive driving, first aid and drug and alcohol awareness. Every vehicle is manned by one male and one female volunteer. Drivers will only provide rides to an individual’s home, not to parties, clubs or bars.     

RamRide is operated through the Associated Students of Colorado State University in conjunction with Colorado State University and with the support of outside businesses and organizations. Major support also comes from Enterprise, Sprint and the Lory Student Center. RamRide is modeled after the CARPOOL program at Texas A&M.

The RamRide program kicked off this morning on the Lory Student Center Plaza. Activities included remarks from leaders of the Associated Students of Colorado State University, Colorado State President Larry Penley and Congressman Mark Udall. Tonight will be the first evening of "RamRide" operation. Students who would like to use RamRide can call (970) 491-3333 to request a ride.

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