Bike Share Program offers free, healthy transportation in fall 2009

Students used to circling Oakland University’s parking lots will have the option of a less tedious kind of transportation this fall. The new school year will bring the launch of the OU Bike Share Program.

Based on successful programs at other colleges and universities, the program will offer a free, eco-friendly and healthy choice for students, staff and faculty to cover distances on campus deemed too far to walk.

Rather than drive from class to class, the bike share will offer a convenient method of transportation, reduce traffic, decrease parking demand and reduce fuel emissions, while promoting physical fitness and a sense of community.

Developed to be used on an honor system model, the program will begin with at least 30 bikes and 30 designated bike racks. The bikes are to be used only on campus and will be stored during the winter months.

An additional 10 bike racks will be added to various buildings on-campus to create 22 options for riders. The program proposal anticipates an increase in the number of private bikes on campus, and plans to continue to develop a bike-friendly campus culture by establishing bike lanes and bike trails throughout campus.