BamaBike to offer students bikes for rent

In addition to the CrimsonRide and Tide Taxi, students will soon have a new mode of transportation around campus, when the BamaBike program begins as a pilot program in the spring semester.

For a one-time fee of $15, students would have permission to check out bikes as long as they are students and will be able to check out bikes from different locations around campus in order to get around.

Alex Flachsbart, a junior majoring in political science, has been researching and working on implementing the program for about a year. He said he now has received full funding from the Office of Student Affairs and the SGA.

Flachsbart said the program will include three to four stations around campus. Though some details have yet to be finalized, he said the stations will most likely include the Ferguson Center, the Student Recreation Center and approximately two residence halls.

The program will have about 30 to 50 bikes, he said.

The provider of the bikes has yet to be determined, and Flachsbart said there is currently a bid out. Some details are still up in the air, but Flachsbart said the plan is to have bikes made of a steel and titanium frame, with a basket on the front. The color is yet to be determined.

"I can definitely say the color of the bikes won't be is orange," he said. "They will most likely be some sort of shade of red."

Though the BamaBike Program will be a pilot program in the spring, Flachsbart said the goal is to fully implement the program around campus by fall 2008.

"Our primary interest is convenience for students," he said. "We want to ensure that every BamaBike program participant has a great experience with BamaBike and make sure the needs of the students are met."

George Brown, director of University Recreation, said University Recreation is acting as an administrative hub for the program.

Brown said the fact that students are leading the program may contribute to its success, but having an administrative network for operational management will keep the program going after students graduate.

Brown also said it is a good option for those who want to have a healthy way of traveling around campus.

For now the bikes can be checked out for 24 hours, but once the program is in full swing, the goal is to allow students to check out a bike for a time period of up to a week.

A survey conducted by Flachsbart indicated some students would be willing to pay the $15 fee.

"Best publicity for the program will be people talking about it," Brown said.

Flachsbart said he thinks BamaBike will be the perfect complement to the CrimsonRide.

"You could take the CrimsonRide from your parking lot to the Ferg," he said. "Walk up to the check-in, check-out station, check out a bike and it's yours for 24 hours."

Flachsbart said his goal for the program is for it to be a success that can be recognized nationwide.

"We feel very confident that working with campus authority, we can make this campus a model for the Southeast and the entire country."

Rebekah Chastain, a freshman majoring in communicative disorders, said she would definitely participate in the program and would most likely check out a bike at least once a week.

"Having a bike here would be nice," Chastain said. "I can't bring one from home because I've already brought so many things. It'd also be a good way to get exercise while getting around. With the CrimsonRide, you just kind of sit there."

Taylor Rodden, a freshman majoring in education, said she would also use the BamaBike program next semester.

She said riding a bike around campus allows students to move at their own schedule.

"Having a bike, you can get around on your own time," she said.

Flachsbart said students who have any questions or suggestions about the BamaBike program can e-mail him at aflachsbart@bama.ua.edu.