I need a bike – any help greatly appreciated

Hey all,

Here’s the deal. I’ve been on this forum the past day or so with some questions about different bikes in my area. I was looking to upgrade my bike from a cheap Walmart brand to a usable bike.

Today, however, when riding that Walmart bike back from class, a man driving a scooter far too fast (in my opinion) crashed into my bike and ruined the front tire.

So, I need a bike, and I need one sooner than later.

All I really want the bike to do is take me back and forth from my nearby college campus, but I want the bike to be a good, sturdy bike that can brake on a dime.

Frankly, I do not know anything about bikes, so I’ve been scrolling on Facebook Marketplace, noting some bikes that catch my eye, and then quickly realizing (with Reddit help) that the bike I thought was solid is actually closer to garbage.

Thus, I am asking for help. If anyone who is knowledgeable about bikes and willing to help a lowly grad student find their first solid bike, please help me out. I am in the Lansing, MI area. I am 5’8” 200lbs. My price range is anywhere between 300-400 dollars. I am defaulting to Facebook marketplace because those used bikes seem to be cheaper and, as noted, I’m on a grad student stipend.

Any and all help is appreciated. Thank you in advance.