UT students enjoyed free bike tune-ups and coffee on the Pedestrian Walkway on Friday as part of Bike to School Day.

The UT Outdoor Program and SPEAK, a student environmental action group, sponsored the event to encourage students to use alternative transportation.

"We are promoting any form of transportation other than driving," Sam Jordan, co-vice president of SPEAK and a UT sophomore in forestry, said. "Starting to ride your bike is something easy to do to take a first step to being environmentally friendly."

UT is participating in Knoxville's Smart Trip Program, which was initiated to help the city find alternatives to driving alone. The program suggests:

• Biking
• Taking the bus
• Carpooling
• Walking

Because cars and trucks account for nearly 50% of air pollution, even the smallest change will make a big difference, Jordan said.

We really have to make a change to save ourselves and the future. Sam Jordan, co-vice president of SPEAK

The air quality in Knoxville has become a major issue in recent years, and college students should be the first to make a change, Jordan said.

"Students really have a big role to play...in improving Knoxville air quality," he said. "Most of use are young and live close to campus. It just makes sense to ride- economically, physically and environmentally."

Kate Gilbert, a UT senior in environmental studies, stopped by for a free tune-up.

"I think it's great way to encourage people to use less fuel," Gilbert said. "It's especially cool for college students to get a free tune-up. I'm really appreciative that people have been willing to donate their time and talents to make this happen."