First Bike Rentals

UTA Libraries kicked off its new bike rental program on Friday, Oct. 13. The first two semester rentals went to computer science master students Yash Tobre and Alma Babydasan.  

Yash stated that having access to a bike will provide greater freedom to travel from place to place.  

“I think this is a great program because many students like me come here for a year and then we have internships. So, investing in a bike is kind of like a risky deal because you don’t know if you will keep it,” Yash said. “Having a program where you can rent a bike is a really good option.” 

Yash stated that having a bike is a great transportation option in a city like Arlington because of the limited public transportation options.  

The city’s current public transportation and only option is through the rideshare program Arlington On-Demand, formerly known as Via. Trips through this service range from $3 to $5 depending on distance, which runs Monday through Saturday.  

Alma Babydasan shared Yash’s thoughts about how having a bike will open up new possibilities.  

“When I have to go a short distance, I need to take an Uber, which can be costly. Taking a bike would be easier for me to travel around,” Alma said. “This program will be really helpful for students who can’t afford any other means of transportation.” 

To rent a bike, students can fill out an application form online. Once approved, students must sign a rental agreement/liability waiver 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 and lights for the bike. Each bike is marked with stickers to identify it as part of the rental program. No helmets will be provided, but riders are encouraged to use them.  

If a person has a maintenance issue with the bike, there are several bike maintenance stands around campus. In the future, there will be a bike maintenance facility where people can guide bike users through repairs.  

Morgan Chivers, Maker Literacies Librarian, stated in a previous library story that a program like this is needed because many students live 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 earlier. “You can use the bike to go on trips with your friends, go to class or go get groceries.”  

So, if you need a transportation solution, stop by the UTA Central Library to learn more about this bike rental program.