I recently received a well-meaning survey from a commerce student asking me to demonstrate my level of interest in the advent of a potential “high tech” bike-sharing program at the University. The survey was presented to me in such a way that it seems that the University is seriously considering reallocating transportation funds to fuel this project. As a cyclist and student who regularly bikes around grounds, I appreciate the effort and interest in such a bike sharing program. However, I have some concerns. The program as it is laid out would probably have students pay per use of the public bikes. This is necessary to offset the costs of what is sure to be an expensive overhead, however it would deter from the program’s use and may lead it to go the way of most bike sharing programs (even pay-per-use programs) that have, unfortunately, ended shortly after their conception due to rampant theft. Additionally, the cost of the pay-per-use program proposed would involve not only purchase of bikes but installation of expensive bike “stations,” probably located at only a few places around grounds. As a cyclist who has seen the use of bikes on grounds rise greatly in the last four years, I feel that the funding for such a program could be better allocated to creating a more bicycle-friendly Grounds. Instead of adding more bikes to the roads in a program that charges students, why not add more bike racks, create safe ways for cyclists to maneuver around the many construction sites on grounds, or extend the bike lanes on Emmett St. and Rugby Rd. where they suddenly end? I wish more members of the University community biked regularly to class and around town. However, instead of launching new programs, University funds should go towards making cycling around grounds safer and less of a hassle.
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