In
an effort to promote outdoor physical activity and sustainable
transportation options, The University of Tampa is implementing a free
bicycle rental program.
The program, BikeUT, offers the campus
community the opportunity to rent 16 bicycles on a daily basis for
recreational or personal use, including rides on nearby Bayshore
Boulevard, to an off-campus meeting or to class.
“BikeUT allows
faculty, students and staff an alternative to driving when making
short-distance trips during the work and school day,” said Katie White,
UT’s assistant director of campus recreation. “And, it addresses
important issues such as health and environmental sustainability,
transportation alternatives and promoting community building on campus.”
The program began Oct. 18.
All rentals will be
conducted through the McNiff Fitness Center front desk. A valid UT
Spartan ID is required upon rental, and all rentals will be free of
charge. Bikes may be rented Monday through Friday from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
and 4-6 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and Sunday from 4-6 p.m.
Evening rental times will change as daylight savings time changes.
Bicycle rentals include a helmet and bike lock.
Due to safety
concerns, the bicycles may not be ridden at night, and bicycle rentals
will not be available during heavy traffic days such as Guavaween,
Gasparilla, St. Patrick’s Day and UT Commencement.
The
Department of Campus Recreation manages the program and maintains the
bikes with support from City Bike Tampa, a local bike shop. The program
is also supported by Student Government.
For more information, visit
www.ut.edu/bikeut.