Summer is always slower on campus, but this summer students can get around a little faster thanks to OU’s new bike share program.
Nearing its third month of operation, the Crimson Cruisers program is a resounding success. In its first month alone, it provided more than 10,000 rides, according to The OU Daily.
One of the main objectives of the program was convenience, something French exchange student Marc Mandement appreciates as he navigates campus this summer.
“I don’t have a car,” Mandement said. “I’m only interning here for five months, so the bike-share program is great for me.”
The bikes can be rented using the Social Bicycles app, with the first hour being free and each hour afterward costing $5. OU’s Student Government Association created the bike share in a partnership with Gotcha Bikes, which provided OU with 75 bikes placed at kiosks throughout campus.
“I’m really pleased with how things moved so quickly and with the positive reactions from social media and The OU Daily,” said Daniel Pae, who was OU’s SGA president when the idea came about.
The time saved by biking instead of walking is prominent for Brian Dick, who was eager for the program launch in April.
“You can just pick it up and go,” he said. “I’m very glad they finally brought it on campus.”
Buying a bike and keeping up with maintenance can be expensive and time-consuming. That was one of Jorge Duarte’s main concerns when the French exchange student bought his own bike to get around campus.
“It was not existing when I arrived and was set up two or so weeks after I got here, so I definitely regret buying my own,” he said.
For convenience, time saving and not having to manage upkeep, student Matthew Carman is a participant of the program as well.
“I actually owned a bike, but it got stolen so now I use it to get to work at the Research Center, and it gives me a fast way to get down there without having a car,” he said.
His only wish, however, would be for a few more locations across campus than the initial 10 locations.
“I really hope they eventually put more hubs in different places because right now there’s like nothing in the South Oval.’’
