Bethel’s Blue Tricycle: A Ride of Kindness, Campus Engagement

McKENZIE — A familiar blue tricycle is becoming a bright spot on the Bethel University campus, thanks to Nikki Klopfenstein, the university’s Title IX and Prevention Services Coordinator. Klopfenstein’s unique mode of transportation is not only helping her navigate the campus but also fostering engagement and spreading a little joy among students.

Nikki, who also teaches at the university, found her commute challenging due to knee issues. While her physical therapist suggested cycling, her husband’s advice led to a three-wheeled solution.

“He said I shouldn’t get anything with a motor or anything with two wheels,” Klopfenstein explained. “I don’t need to be going too fast. It’s just safer.” The tricycle, complete with a basket for her belongings, proved to be the perfect fit.

The journey from the Vera Low area to Campbell Hall, especially the uphill stretch, presents a challenge.

“It’s rough,” Klopfenstein admitted. However, the student reaction makes the effort worthwhile. “The students seem to really enjoy it,” she said. “When they see me out on it, it just makes them smile. It’s something they hadn’t seen before.” The cheerful ring of the tricycle’s bell has become a welcome sound, catching students’ attention and giving them smiles.”

Klopfenstein’s vision for the tricycle, which will soon be named creatively with student input, goes beyond personal transportation. She intends for it to be a “vessel of kindness” and an effective tool for communication. “Retention is linked to engagement and connection,” Klopfenstein stated. She believes that shared experiences, particularly involving food, are powerful ways to bring people together.

“What a great way to be able to load up with snacks, water, that kind of thing, and travel across campus and just hand out… a little splash of kindness,” she explained. She also plans to distribute informational pamphlets and tips for student well-being during prevention awareness months. Klopfenstein recalls how a simple gesture of handing out cold water to students one evening brought unexpected happiness, solidifying her belief in the power of spontaneous kindness.

The sight of the bright blue tricycle will hopefully prove to be a way to combat student isolation. Nikki noted that loneliness is a direct link to students not returning to university or hiding in their dorms. “I hope that as time progresses, people start to see that as like, what is she up to now? What is she bringing? Another connection to our students - I don’t feel alone.” For students with earbuds in and heads down, the tricycle provides a visual cue to engage with their surroundings.

Klopfenstein is also aiming to make information more accessible. “There’s not a really great way to get information to you guys,” she said, referencing the challenge of getting students’ attention or ensuring that their emails are read. She sees the bike as a mobile distribution system, quickly passing out information between classes.

It has already provided some amusing moments. Klopfenstein’s daughter, Eva, recently rode with her in the basket, drawing curious looks. Another time, a student with headphones on was surprised when Klopfenstein rode past. “He laughed and I laughed,” she recalled.

Nikki really hopes her new method of transport will become a recognizable symbol of support. She plans to get a custom license plate that reads “T9 KLOP”, making it easy for students to associate the tricycle with her Title IX and Prevention Services role. “Just to give them a quick association versus just coming to the mailroom and I’m kind of just the door next to the mailroom,” she said.

“Creativity is essential to connection,” Nikki concluded. “This is just a creative way to be connected and to get involved and engage with our students that they’re not used to seeing.” It has been a labor of love. The tricycle was a shared project assembled by many at the university, proving it to be more than just a tricycle - she is a rolling testament to fostering community and making student support visible and approachable, one campus ride at a time.

Her upcoming plans include distributing donuts and self-care tips during finals week, adding sunflowers and lights, talking with students to determine an official name and having her present at various campus events to further capture her as a connection piece to student services.

Klopfenstein is a graduate of Henry County High School, Bethel University, and the Nashville School of Law, where she attained her Doctorate of Jurisprudence. She teaches Criminal Justice at Bethel University and serves as the university’s Title IX director. She and husband, Chris, have one daughter, Eva.

Artem Dzun is a senior at Bethel University and an international student from Russia, where he will return following graduation.