Another 75 people could receive free bicycles for promising to keep their cars off the Elmhurst College campus next year.

A program that distributed 200 free bikes to students, staff and faculty at Elmhurst College accomplished its goals in its first year, according to college officials.

“It was a three-prong program,” said services manager Mark Wakely. “We wanted to free up parking, increase fitness and reduce pollution.

The Elmhurst College Bicycle Program distributed free bikes, helmets and locks to sophomore, junior and senior students. Students who received the bikes, funded by $80,000 in the college’s budget, can keep them. Students who receive bikes agree not to drive a car on campus from April through November.

Wakely credits program and a new rule that prevents freshmen from bringing cars on campus with addressing a parking shortage.

The bike program will continue in the upcoming school year. The college plans to distribute bikes to 75 people who didn’t get them last year. Students can choose between a mountain bike and a comfort bike with a padded seat, both valued at about $450.

The college plans to install four more bike racks and will distribute the bikes in August to new participants.

“That’s 275 people who are biking rather than using cars,” Wakely said. “We consider that a success.”

Wakely developed the idea after hearing about a similar program at Ripon College in Wisconsin. He also said there are schools throughout the south that offer free bike programs.