The University of Rhode Island is getting ready to release a bike rental program for students, completely free of charge, which Campus Recreation Director Jodi Hawkins says is “95% ready to go.”
“We have 10 bikes here,” Hawkins said. “Our website is 95% ready, and once the last piece is in place, we’ll launch it.”
The last hurdle is the liability waiver which is still under review by URI’s Risk Management Office, according to Hawkins.
The program will be completely free for students to use on a daily basis, with rentals available through Campus Recreation’s registration platform, according to Hawkins. Riders will check in at the front desk of the Campus Recreation Center, sign a waiver and receive a brief walkthrough from the staff on how to use the bike, adjust seating height and secure the included U-lock to prevent theft.
“We want students to feel confident, especially if they ride off the bike path,” Hawkins said.
Helmets are provided and necessary for renting, and each bike will be equipped with an AirTag for safety purposes, according to Hawkins. The tags are not meant for surveillance, but in case they need to locate a rider in case of emergency. The bikes also have a reflective light on each wheel, which allows the riders to be visible on roads as a precaution.
URI will offer 10 traditional bikes to pedal–deliberately, not e-bikes or scooters, according to Hawkins.
“We want people to get out there, get fresh air, use your legs and arms,” Hawkins said. “For us, having an e-bike defeats the purpose.”
The choice for bikes over scooters also stems from the university’s connection to the William C. O’Neill Bike Path, according to Hawkins. URI received state funding to build a spur connecting campus to the 7.5 mile trail in October of 2017, connecting Kingston Station to Narragansett beaches. Students are able to enjoy the route directly from campus, according to Rhody Today.
“At the dedication of the spur, we said, ‘We need to get bikes,’” Hawkins said. “It just never happened until now.”
Once the program is launched, students will have the opportunity to rent bikes for the day during building hours of Campus Recreation, according to Hawkins.
“I think it sounds really nice to have bikes on campus,” fourth-year Ella Manero said. “I love being outside, and I think this is something that a lot of students would like to use.”
After almost a year of prep, the project cost Campus Recreation a little under $10,000, according to Hawkins. This price includes the bikes, helmets, lights, AirTags, locks and storage set up. The bikes are being kept in the Mackal Fieldhouse Cardio Room, but will soon move to an outdoor storage unit behind the Recreation Center.
The only limitation seen would be the winter weather, according to Hawkins. The bike path is not regularly plowed, and this might temporarily halt bike use once snow or ice makes the trail unsafe.
“I just want students to be able to enjoy it,” Hawkins said.
Campus Recreation will announce the launch on its website and social media channels once the final approval is set.
