<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/68a510f8dde3b.image.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Courtesy of Rodney Gardner<\/p>\n
UTA is introducing a free bike loan program offering semester-long access to reclaimed bicycles for students. <\/p>\n
The two-year pilot program kicked off Aug. 8 and promotes wellness, independence and hands-on learning at no cost, said Larry Cummings III, Parking and Transportation Services communications manager, in a document to The Shorthorn. <\/p>\n
In a collaboration among Parking and Transportation Services, UTA Libraries, Student Affairs and the Office of Sustainability, the program supports UTA\u2019s sustainability goals, according to the Parking and Transportation Services website. <\/p>\n
The program offers a variety of bikes, including mountain, road and cruiser style bikes. The program tracks student participation, bike usage, repair needs and feedback to dictate if it can extend beyond the pilot phase, Cummings said. <\/p>\n
Students can check out one of 50 bikes by submitting a request through their MavPark account. The request will add students to a waitlist on a first come, first served basis. <\/p>\n
Bikes are available at the Parking and Transportation Services office. <\/p>\n
Liam Crowley, Walkable Arlington president and a bike mechanic under the pilot program, said he found freedom in owning his bike. <\/p>\n
\u201cI was very dependent on my parents to drive me around places,\u201d Crowley said. \u201cI got that bicycle, I could go anywhere I wanted, whenever I wanted.\u201d <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/68a5115441c57.image.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Courtesy of Rodney Gardner<\/p>\n
When a bike is available, students will be sent a bike loan agreement to review and sign on their UTA email. Students will then receive an email with the bike number, lock number and pickup location. <\/p>\n
\u201cAs long as the bike is returned by finals week, Mavs are free to ride them as far as their legs can carry them,\u201d Cummings said. <\/p>\n
Students are responsible for any repair or replacement costs while a bike is in their possession, he said. <\/p>\n
The program also offers drop-in DIY repair guidance from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Hours may vary based on student staff availability. <\/p>\n
The bicycles are due at the office before closing time Dec. 10. <\/p>\n
Crowley said that with several bike shops in Arlington closed, having a resource that helps students fix their own bikes can empower students to maintain their bikes. <\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m really happy to see it,\u201d he said. \u201cBefore this program started, there\u2019s a lot of bikes that were either just scrapped for metal or they\u2019re auctioned off.\u201d <\/p>\n
Crowley said that while bicycles may not be for everyone, students are welcome to try them out and return the bike if it’s not for them. <\/p>\n
\u201cBikes are fantastic, especially on a college campus,\u201d he said. \u201cThey\u2019re such a great piece of mobility.\u201d <\/p>\n
@_.lexlie_<\/p>\n