SGA launched a year-long pilot bike-share program with Zagster in 2017. After reviewing user data from the past year, SGA has decided not to continue the program.
The SGA Student Issues Committee researched and recommended piloting a bike-share program to determine student interest in a subscription bike-share program. SGA launched this pilot after nearly two years of intense research of bike systems at other universities and various companies, a student body survey and meetings with many departments on campus.
In February 2017 SGA launched a year-long pilot bike-share program with Zagster. After reviewing user data from the past year, SGA has decided not to continue the program, effective Feb. 19, 2018.
The pilot program featured two phases including a free bike-sharing membership during the first year and a $50 membership for the second year. Continuation and expansion of the program would be dependent on student enrollment in the program to financially sustain the program.
A variety of factors led SGA to end the program with Zagster. Enrollment in the program did not meet targets to warrant continuing and expanding the program in a manner that was economically feasible for SGA or any potential University allocated funds. While SGA did set aside some operational funds to contribute toward the program this year, the Executive Board felt that continuing a pilot renewal would not be the best use of the student body’s funds when considering students’ participation in this program.
When students approached SGA and asked for a bike-sharing system, SGA senators worked to make a pilot program a reality. However, SGA is also charged with the task of managing student funds and continuing with this specific model would not be fiscally responsible.
SGA hopes to work to allocate funds to Campus Recreation to support students who have an interest in biking. The bike-rental program administered by Campus Recreation is a popular and robust program and provides economical biking options for the student body.
The Senate will soon consider whether to partner with Campus Recreation to expand this program. SGA’s first priority has always been, and continues to be, serving the student body.