The bike program was funded in part by a $58,000​ Green Mountain Energy Sun Club grant. Photo courtesy of the Shorthorn/Nick Tarrant.

Sept. 12, 2017

The University of Texas at Arlington showed its commitment to promoting sustainable transportation with the offical launch of a new bike sharing program last week. The program is an initiative of UTA's Institute for Sustainability and Global Impact. 

“We’ve wanted to launch a bike-share program for some time,” said Meghna Tare, director of the UTA Office of Sustainability. “UTA is continuing to grow as the model 21st century urban research university and this partnership will allow access to transportation for more students.” 

The new bikes on campus are funded in large part by a $58,000 donation from Green Mountain Energy Sun Club, a non-profit that supports organizations looking to become more sustainable through renewable energy, energy efficiency and resource conservation. 

“Green Mountain Energy Sun Club is excited to help expand UTA’s sustainable transportation options for students,” said Mark Parsons, president of Green Mountain Energy Sun Club. “By educating students on easy ways they can reduce their carbon footprint, we are taking great steps in inspiring future generations to protect our environment.” 

The program received partial funding from the Texas Department of Transportation and $15,000 from Look Out Texans, a regional bicycle and pedestrian safety campaign developed by the North Central Texas Council of Governments. The Look Out Texans campaign encourages North Texans to watch out for one another and offers specific tips to bike, walk and drive safely.

“Bike-sharing is a great, sustainable option for anyone getting around campus,” said Karla Weaver, senior program manager for Sustainable Development at NCTCOG. “Not only will the UTA community have the benefit of greener transportation, but greater awareness of people on bikes will make the campus a safer place for all.”

UTA students, faculty and staff can join the bike-share program for a $25 annual fee. Bikes are then free for the first two hours of use and $1 for every hour after. 

Thirty Zagster 8 bikes will be located at seven stations across the UTA campus near high-traffic points across campus.

The cruiser-style bikes feature built-in locks, automatic lights, reflectors and a spacious basket. Zagster Inc., the largest and fastest-growing bike-share provider in North America, will support bike implementation and maintenance.

More information about the program can be found at bike.zagster.com/uta.


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