NBC29Bicycle Ride Share Program Coming to UVA

Bicycle Ride Share Program Coming to UVA

The University of Virginia has plans in place for a bicycle sharing program. Ubikes is just one initiative to help students and faculty get around grounds more efficiently said Andrew Greene, the Sustainability Planner for the Office of the Architect.

"If you think about it, the college campus makes a lot of sense. You have a large population that doesn't drive or doesn't have access to a car," said Greene.

UVA recently received a $35,000 grant from the Commonwealth Transportation Board. The money will help fund the nearly $600,000 bike share program. Greene said the program is still in the planning stage but said the university hopes to strategically place 30 to 100 bikes around grounds.

"In a way, allowing for those maybe without a car who are commuting via bus or commuting, car pulling, have mid day mobility options," said Greene.

The concept isn't new to Charlottesville. About 10 years ago, the city began the Yellow Bike ride share program. Blake Caravati was mayor and on the city council at the time. He said anyone could pick one up and ride away free of charge, but the initiative didn't last long. Most of the bicycles were stolen.

"They were painted yellow and my suggestion was to paint them pink under the theory not many people are gonna steal a pink bike," said Caravati.

UVA plans to create a system where riders would sign up for a membership and have to electronically check a bike in and out.

"I think in concept, the yellow bike was a great program. In practice maybe had some flaws. I think this is trying to address some of those flaws," said Greene.

Greene said it hasn't been decided if there will be a charge to use the Ubikes. He said some bike share programs charge a small membership fee and then give riders an incentive to return bikes quickly by giving the first 10 or 15 minutes free. UVA hopes to have Ubikes up and running by August 2011.

Reported by Jennifer Von Reuter
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