UB’s parking and transportation department has partnered with Reddy BikeShare to release 50 newly designed bicycles to be integrated into the UB Bikeshare program. The unveiling was followed by an inaugural ride around North Campus led by Victor E. Bull. The new bikes offer new GPS-enabled technology that can be accessed through its smartphone app.
The program at UB charges a $10 yearly fee, along with a $2 per hour charge. UB’s BikeShare program currently maintains 315 active members, as of Wednesday.
Students and faculty with memberships are also eligible to use any of the 200 Reddy BikeShare bicycles within the city of Buffalo.
Christopher Austin, director of UB Parking and Transportation Services, spoke to the crowd of faculty and students before the inaugural ride.
“Bicycling, as we all know, is good for the environment. It’s good for your health. It’s an inexpensive transportation option for us all,” Austin said. “We are actively working towards making UB a more bike-friendly campus. We encourage everyone to try them and to make UB a greener campus.”
UB began its bicycle initiative in 2007 by introducing refurbished Buffalo Blue bikes. In 2012, UB became the first university in the country to test bike sharing with wireless technology, which has now become the industry standard.
The school also offers bike racks throughout its three campuses, as well as bicycle repair stations and free bicycle registration.
The debuted bicycles contrast Reddy BikeShare’s signature red color, emblemized with UB’s classic blue and white.
Sarra Souissi, a junior computer science major, has been using a personal bike as a method of transportation for the last two years, but likes the idea of bringing more bikes to campus.
“I had never seen a Reddy bike on campus before, but I had seen them in the city of Buffalo,” Souissi said. “Maybe if they add more bikes that are readily available, it’ll be more well-known. I’d definitely advocate for more bikes on campus.”
Although bicycles within North Campus can not be taken off campus without students being charged, bicycles rented on South Campus can be taken as far as Canalside.
Samantha Vargas is the asst. arts editor and can be reached at samantha.vargas@ubspectrum.com and on Twitter @SamVargasArts
Samantha Vargas is an English/ film studies double major with a minor in media study. She spends her free time finding shows around buffalo and hanging out with her cat.
