By Michael Wunder, News Editor
Being late for class can induce a hefty amount of stress, but thankfully, students searching for a quick ride around campus need look no further than the UNO Bike Share program.
The program is an effort to encourage physical activity, protect the environment and provide and easier way to get around campus “and beyond,” according to the programs’ website.
There are three ways to bike share at UNO: The B-cycle program, the bike library and the classic yellow bike program.
The most recent of the three options, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield B-cycle program, launched June 15. Riders can either purchase a B-cycle membership card or use a credit card to check out a bike from one of two solar-powered B-cycle stations located on the UNO campus: the south side of the Milo Bail Student Center or the shuttle stop on 67th street by Mammel Hall. After an initial $5.35 charge for a 24-hour pass, riders receive the first hour free—a $1.34 is charged for each additional half hour. Riders can only charge a total of $64.20 a day—about 22 hours worth of riding. Students can purchase an annual pass for a special rate of $42.80. Thirty-day passes are $21.40.
The bikes can be left at any station in Omaha.
The bike library provides students the opportunity to rent bikes for one or two days. Just trek over to the Outdoor Venture Center in the Health, Physical Education and Recreation building. With a valid ID, students can check out a bike, helmet and bike lock. However, there are only four bikes available, and they’re checked out on a first come, first served basis.
Lastly, the yellow bike program, launched in September 2009, is still in operation. For a quick ride, students need only seek out a yellow bike in any of UNO’s bike racks, hop on and put the pedal to the metal.
Thousands of trips have been taken on the yellow bikes since the program’s inception, according to the program’s website. The bikes were donated to UNO by individuals, as well as by organizations such as Boys Town. Donations are continually accepted, and all bikes are being transitioned into single-gear settings (meaning braking is done by pedaling backward).
Students using the yellow bikes should refrain from hoarding bikes or using them to perform tricks, like “riding off of benches or down stairs.” Such improper usage places the program’s future in “jeopardy,” according to the website.
All bike share programs were brought to campus through funds raised by UNO Student Government.
