Why Loan Bikes?

The National Sporting Goods Association estimated in 2000 that 42.5 million Americans ride bicycles, as compared to 29.4 million basketball players, 27.5 million golfers, and 22.5 million runners.

Bicycles are extremely versatile. They’re the ultimate go anywhere, do anything vehicle. You can ride them in groups or ride them alone, get some exercise or just unwind, run some errands or cruise through the park, stick to the pavement or head for the trails. Cycling is one of the most diverse and inviting activities there is and it's hard to find someone who won't enjoy a bicycle in some way for some purpose.

Bicycles attract enthusiasm anywhere, but they shine brightest on college campuses. Campuses, with their open spaces, proximity to cities, and energetic residents, are hubs of cycling potential. Unfortunately, students are often confronted with serious obstacles to bicycle ownership. The challenge of transporting bicycles from distant homes, the risks of theft, and likelihood of deterioration by the elements is enough to deter most would-be cyclists. Those who do cycle face cramped dorm rooms and lack access to maintenance services. The end result is too often frustration and neglect. Loaning bikes solves all these problems. In addition to drawing new users into athletic facilities, bicycle libraries have positive effects on campus life as a whole:

Outdoor recreation. Cycling programs encourage students to get outside and exercise. Bikes can be used in a wide range of situations by many different kinds of people. For a fraction of the cost of building and maintaining a basketball court, you can serve students who want to join the cycling team, run a few off-campus errands, or go on a day trip with friends.
Programming opportunities. Bicycles just beg to be ridden in groups. They can be integrated into freshman orientation activities, used to lead tours of your city or campus, or deployed in a fundraising event.
Affordable transportation and reduced parking strains. In locations where students and staff don’t feel like they have transportation alternatives, green space often succumbs to asphalt. For the price and space requirements of a single parking space, a fleet of 15 top-quality bicycles and their supporting infrastructure could be installed on your campus.
Access to the community. This can be a big issue, especially at colleges located away from urban centers. Bikes help burst the campus bubble and give dorm-bound students access to experiences they would miss if they stayed in. Students can also combine bikes with public transportation to help get them directly where they want to go.
Sustainability programs. Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important issue on campuses. Many colleges are receiving positive press for encouraging alternatives to motorized transportation. Lending bikes empowers you and your users to take action on current issues and to get attention for your transportation choices.