New bike share program comes to campus
Maverick students will be able to cruise to classes when The University of Texas at Arlington’s Institute for Sustainability and Global Impact launches a new bike-sharing program Thursday, Sept. 7. The program strengthens the University’s commitment to sustainability and enabling the modern megacity.
Station locations include:
- E.H. Hereford University Center
- Engineering Research Building
- Central Library
- Maverick Activities Center
- Kalpana Chawla Hall
- College Park Center
- Office of International Education
“We’ve wanted to launch a bike-share program for some time,” said Meghna Tare, director of the UTA Office of Sustainability. “UTA is continuing to grow as the model 21st century urban research university and this partnership will allow access to transportation for more students.”
UTA students, faculty and staff can join the bike-share program for a $25 annual fee. Bikes are then free for the first two hours of use and $1 for every hour after.
The new bikes on campus are funded in large part by a $58,000 donation from Green Mountain Energy Sun Club, a non-profit that supports organizations looking to become more sustainable through renewable energy, energy efficiency and resource conservation.
“Green Mountain Energy Sun Club is excited to help expand UTA’s sustainable transportation options for students,” said Mark Parsons, president of Green Mountain Energy Sun Club. “By educating students on easy ways they can reduce their carbon footprint, we are taking great steps in inspiring future generations to protect our environment.”
The program received partial funding from the Texas Department of Transportation and $15,000 from Look Out Texans, a regional bicycle and pedestrian safety campaign developed by the North Central Texas Council of Governments. The Look Out Texans campaign encourages North Texans to watch out for one another and offers specific tips to bike, walk and drive safely.
“Bike-sharing is a great, sustainable option for anyone getting around campus,” said Karla Weaver, senior program manager for Sustainable Development at NCTCOG. “Not only will the UTA community have the benefit of greener transportation, but greater awareness of people on bikes will make the campus a safer place for all.”
Forty Zagster 8 bikes will be located at seven stations across the UTA campus. The cruiser-style bikes feature built-in locks, automatic lights, reflectors and a spacious basket. Zagster Inc., the largest and fastest-growing bike-share provider in North America, will support bike implementation and maintenance.
More information about the program can be found at bike.zagster.com/uta.