DAYTON, Ohio (AP) — The University of Dayton is giving 100 students free bicycles in exchange for their promise not to bring cars to the southwest Ohio campus for two years.

The Dayton Daily News (http://bit.ly/15izkk4 ) reports the giveaway is part of the university’s efforts to shrink its carbon footprint and form a bike friendly campus. It also builds on a bike-sharing program created at the school two years ago.

Almost 300 first-year students have promised to ditch their four-wheeled vehicles for two years. A hundred of them will get bikes Friday at the grand opening of the school’s new Outdoor Engagement Center. The bikes retail for more than $600.

The recipients include Cody Rice, who says not having a car forces him to spend more time on campus and make the most of it.

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Information from: Dayton Daily News, http://www.daytondailynews.com