Bike-sharing program rolls along at Kent State

By Denise Dick

Staff report

kent

Kent State University students, faculty and staff are going green and getting fit through a new collaborative program at the university.

Flashfeet is a collaboration through the university’s Department of Recreational Services, division of enrollment management and student affairs and the office of the provost and undergraduate student government.

“I am pleased to support this important initiative,” said Robert Frank, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. “It speaks to multiple needs and desires of the Kent State community: a need for sustainability, fuel savings, physical activity and a simple system for providing ‘green’ transportation to get around our expansive campus.”

The program started fall semester. Users will be able to borrow bikes, helmets and locks on a daily basis from 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. All equipment must be returned to its point of origin before closing.

Flashfleet is available at these locations: Student Recreation and Wellness Center, Kent Student Center, Dunbar Hall Area Desk, Twin Towers Area Desk, Tri-Towers Area Desk and the Stopher Hall Area Desk.

The program is tentatively scheduled to operate until Oct. 31, depending on weather. It will reopen in the spring after the last of the winter storms.

“Bike sharing is a unique concept that enables multiple users to borrow bikes for short-term use,” said Kim Rufra, associate director of the department of recreational services at Kent. “Our mission is to provide affordable, easily accessible and environmentally sustainable transportation to Kent State University.”

The program is free.

Students, faculty and staff must visit one of six designated locations on campus to sign out a bike using their FLASHcard. Fees are only assessed if equipment is returned late, damaged or not at all. Guests, with a valid driver’s license, can participate in the program as long as a student or staff member assumes liability.

Flashfleet, a second-generation bike-share system, was developed from concerns over rising fuel costs, traffic congestion across campus, consistent enrollment increases each semester, physical fitness and a greater consciousness about climate change.

Flashfleet is a pilot program. The success of this year and the research collected will be used in determining whether a third-generation system also would be suitable at Kent.

The 50 bikes being used for the program, all Trek 7000 Hybrids, will be maintained on a weekly basis by the Department of Recreational Services’ equipment manager and registered with university police services.

“We’re also looking to create a more dynamic bike culture throughout Kent State,” Rufra said. “Currently, there are more than 100 bike racks across campus for students to use. Not only do users have easy access here, but they can use our bicycles and visit downtown businesses and other locations in the Kent area.”

All riders will receive a brochure with biking safety tips, rules and regulations for the program and a map detailing local bike trails in the area.

To encourage riders, the Department of Recreational Services is implementing a contest during which one lucky winner will receive their very own Trek 7000 Hybrid Bike on Earth Day, April 22. All those who participate in the program will be entered into the contest.

For more information about Flashfleet, please call the Department of Recreational Services at 330-672-2REC, visit www.kent.edu/flashfleet or e-mail flash_fleet@kent.edu.