Video: New program offers free bike rentals - Campus

Video: New program offers free bike rentals - Campus

Getting around campus - and beyond - just got a little easier. Today Ohio Staters, Inc. starts Buckeye Bikes, a pilot bike rental program. Buckeye Bikes is a free bike rental service for students, faculty and staff and is available at the Recreation and Physical Activity Center sports shop.

The program provides bikes to those who do not have their own and was modeled after Colorado State University's Ram Wheels Club. Anyone who is at least 18 with a valid Ohio State recreation sports membership can borrow a bike for up to two days by swiping his or her BuckID and signing a waiver.

"We want students to enjoy the campus while alleviating some congestion," said Lauren Gay, a junior in business marketing and co-chair of Buckeye Bikes.

James Knight, a senior in chemical engineering and co-chair of Buckeye Bikes said their goal was to reach as many students, faculty and staff as possible.

"Hopefully we will have students enjoy the project and have a lot of people riding bikes all over campus," Knight said.

In the pilot stage, the 20 bicycles donated by Schwinn will be available at the RPAC. There are plans to offer bikes at the Jesse Owens North and South facilities and Adventure Recreation Center as well.

"We're starting with just a pilot program to see how students take it, but we hope to expand to the other recreational facilities," said Brianna Jordan, a junior in pharmacy and co-chair of Buckeye Bikes.

The bikes come equipped with locks, and each has its own designated spot on the racks located between Phase 1 and Phase 2 of RPAC.

When asked about the possibility of bikes being stolen, Knight said the group is "keeping faith in the good of humanity."

Gay anticipates success and is very optimistic about the outcome of the program.

"Hopefully it will aid in a more green campus," Gay said, adding going green was not the initial intention, but instead an added bonus."

I think it's a great idea because a lot of students don't have access to bikes or cars," said Tori Mason, an undecided freshman.

"I'm not sure what the outcome will be but I guess we will just see how many people use them."

Whitney L.B. Miller can be reached at miller.3859@osu.edu.