2010 Bike-Share season
The 2011 Bike Share Program will begin on May 16. Click here for information on becoming a member of the program, or here to find out if you're eligible to join.
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To facilitate cycling as a utilitarian and sustainable commuting method at the University of Ottawa, the Parking and Sustainable Transportation Division offers a Bike-Share program. Our Bike-Share program has partnered with Sports Services. This enables us to provide more loan locations on campus! |
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WHAT IS BIKE-SHARE?
| The concept of Bike-Sharing is quite simple; bikes are loaned free of charge to members of the University community. A user applies to become a member, completes a registration form, agrees to the Terms and Conditions, if approved is issued a membership card and can borrow a Bike-Share bike, see how does it work below for details. |  |
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WHY BIKE-SHARE?
Bike-Share fulfills two purposes:
- It contributes to our individual well-being by increasing our mobility and leisure activity, bettering our health, as well as offering us convenience for short distance trips.
- On a second note, it benefits us as a community by limiting our contribution of air pollutants, as well as reducing traffic congestion on and around our campuses.
WHO CAN BECOME A MEMBER?
Anyone who is a full-time or part-time uOttawa student or employee has access to this program. You must have a valid U of O student or employee ID card. Unfortunately, friends or family members do not have access to the program.
HOW TO GET A BIKE-SHARE MEMBERSHIP
- Go to the Parking and Sustainable Transportation Office at 139 Louis-Pasteur room 133 between 08:00 and 15:30 (Monday to Friday) and ask to become a Bike-Share member;
- Bring your University of Ottawa student or employee card;
- Pay a $10 deposit (cash only), refundable at the end of the program or upon cancellation of your membership (deposits may be retained if the member fails to comply with the Terms and Conditions);
- Complete the registration form. Click here to read the Terms and Conditions;
- Provide your uOttawa email address;
- Receive your membership card and start Bike-Sharing!
HOW DOES IT WORK
Borrowing a Bike-Share bike
- Go to one of the loan locations indicated below with your Bike-Share membership card and with a photo ID;
- Complete the key sign-out sheet, leave your Bike-Share membership card (you will get it back when you return the bike), receive the bike lock keys and go!
- Return the Bike-Share bike at the same loan location and before the time allocated expires. Failure to comply may result in loss of your deposit and termination of your membership into the program.
TWO LOAN LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU BETTER
PROTECTION SERVICES
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SPORTS SERVICES
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Bikes 1 to 6: Starting Wednesday May 16th 2011
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Bikes 7 to 10: Starting Friday May 21st 2010
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What if there are no bikes left?
Unfortunately, if there are no bikes left when you drop by we cannot do much; we simply can’t loan a bike that we do not have available! Demand will be tracked and bikes purchased as deemed necessary. We will keep track of when this occurs and purchase more bikes if the demand is there.
How to lock a Bike-Share bike
All Bike-Share bikes MUST be locked with the 2 provided locks:
- With the U-Lock, lock the frame of the bike to the bicycle rack (not to a pole or a tree);
- Intertwine the cable lock to the bike frame and wheels, and lock it to the bike rack;
By following these steps you increase the likelihood that these bikes will not be stolen - we strongly encourage everyone to lock their personal bikes this way too! For more information on how to prevent bike theft consult the following bike theft prevention Webpage.
Safety check - Before every ride
We strongly recommend that you perform a safety check before heading out with our Bike-Share bikes. Remember, even though we perform weekly maintenance on these bikes, they are being used by a wide variety of cyclists. Always do the following before heading out:
- Check that the tires are properly inflated (a quick pinch will do);
- Check that both wheels rotate without any problems;
- Make sure the brakes work when applied;
- Make sure the lights are in working condition (if riding when dark or in rainy weather), and finally;
- Look for any loose parts.
If you find any irregularities, advise the employee at the loan location and see if you can borrow another bike for your trip. If none is available we recommend that you not use the Bike-Share bike, if you do, it’s at your own risk.
In the event that a Bike-Share bike is defective, it will be placed “out of service”. We will have it repaired as soon as we can.
In case of theft
You must inform Protection Services to file an incident report. All cases of Bike-Share theft will be investigated thoroughly.
Accidents and Damage
You MUST notify Protection Services as soon as possible of any accident, injury or damage occurring in connection with any BIKE-SHARE bicycle that is in your possession. In the event of an accident with a motor vehicle, however minor, you MUST contact the Police, stay at the scene of the accident (unless seriously injured) and also submit an incident report to Protection Services.
How many bikes do we have?
We currently have a total of 10 bike available at:
- Six (6) bikes at 141 Louis-Pasteur;
- Four (4) bikes at Montpetit Hall
When cycling, easy = safe!
Bicycles are vehicles with the same rights and responsibilities as other road users. Ride predictably, follow the rules of the road and be as visible as possible.
Helmets
We do not provide helmets; although we DO encourage all cyclists to wear one while cycling. Anyone under the age of 18 is required by law to wear a helmet— so bring your own. If you're under 18, you will have to show that you have a helmet to the get the Bike-Share keys.
Bike Safety Tips
It is important when cycling to stay safe on the roads and obey all the current traffic laws. In Ottawa, bicycles are considered vehicles and have the same rights as well as the same responsibilities. From equipment to regulations, bike users can be penalized for not obeying the rules of the road. For your own safety, you should ensure that you understand the laws of cycling.
Here are some common rules for biking in Ottawa:
- Follow all traffic signs and lights like all other vehicles.
- Ride in the correct direction on one-way streets.
- Travel on right side as close as you safely can.
- Ride clear of sewer grates, debris, potholes, and parked car doors.
- Your safety is more important than the convenience of a motorist.
- Before turning, look behind you and signal your turns.
- Yield or stop for pedestrians at crosswalks.
- Avoid riding on crosswalks or sidewalks.
- Stop for school buses when lights are flashing.
- Equip a white front light and a red rear light as well as a horn or bell.
- Ensure your bike has good working brakes.
- Carry identification when you travel.
- Don’t ride your bicycle on expressway / freeway highways.
- Wear a helmet if you are under 18, and even if you aren't we recommend that you wear one anyway!
For a full list of cycling bylaws, equipment guide and cycling skills, you can visit the Ministry of Transportations website at: http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/pubs/cycling-guide/index.shtml
HOW TO CANCEL A BIKE-SHARE MEMBERSHIP?
Any Bike-Share membership can be cancelled at any time without loss of your deposit. Simply return to the Parking and Sustainable Transportation Division with your Bike-Share membership card and a valid University of Ottawa student or employee card. Your membership will be cancelled and your $10.00 deposit will be returned.
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We would like to thank Enviro Éduc-Action for helping us launch this Bike-Share program. We encourage you to visit their Webpage at www.enviroeducaction.org |
Questions or comments, contact:
Daniel Spence
Manager, Sustainable Transportation
daniel.spence@uottawa.ca
613-562-5800 X:6523