Rent a Bike at the Library

Libraries are traditionally known for lending books, not bikes. However, starting this fall UTA Libraries will begin lending bicycles to connect students, faculty, and staff to the community.  

People visiting the Central Library will have the opportunity to check out one of the 26 bikes for the entire semester.  

Morgan Chivers, Maker Literacies Librarian, shared that the program is needed at the university because there are so many students living on campus without any means of transportation.  

“Checking bikes out on a semesterly basis will give people the opportunity who maybe haven’t made the commitment or don’t have the funds to invest in a bike of their own yet to explore that transportation option,” Morgan said. “You can use the bike to go on trips with your friends, go to class or go get groceries.” 

Morgan stated that having a bike provides greater freedom for people by having transportation ready to take them to their destination at a moment's notice.  

To rent a bike, come to the front counter of the Central Library and sign a rental agreement/liability waiver.  

The rental agreement/liability waiver is similar to the document in place for tech lending and The Shop Room in the FabLab. It notes that if a person abuses or walks away with a bike, they are financially responsible. Replacement costs can range from $150 to $300.  

Once the rental agreement is signed, the user will be presented with keys for the bike lock along with lights for the bike. Each bike is marked with a set of stickers to identify it as part of the rental program. No helmets will be provided, but it is encouraged that riders use them.  

If a user has an issue with a bike during the rental where it might need a repair, there are several options. 

“We already do have several bike maintenance stands around campus. If someone knows how to work on their bike, there are tools that they can use,” Morgan said. “The full vision is that there will be a bike maintenance facility (in the future). We would not do the maintenance for them, but we would have skilled, knowledgeable people on-site to help and guide them.” 

Until the maintenance facility is up and running, users can reach out to Morgan by email, morgan@uta.edu, to set up a time to meet up for a repair.  

The Bike Lending Program will also provide people with workshops they can attend. These workshops will focus on topics like bike maintenance, good riding strategies, and safety tips.  

The day after final exams, at the end of the semester, is when the bike rental ends. Bikes will then need to be returned to the Central Library.  

Bikes provide a great alternative to cars- they not only get people from place to place but provide exercise and are environmentally friendly.  

So, if you’re looking for a fun way to get around for the fall semester, then UTA Libraries’ Bicycle Library just might be your solution.