UAH launches on-campus bike-share program

Charger Cycle, UAH’s free bike-share program, is designed to encourage safety and environmental awareness on campus.

Michael Mercier | UAH

The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) is excited to announce the launch of Charger Cycle, a joint initiative from the Student Government Association (SGA), UAH Housing, and UAH Facilities and Operations.

"Charger Cycle is the SGA's free bike-share program," says Austin Finley, a senior aerospace engineering major and president of the SGA. "It focuses on sustainability and creating a safer, more environmentally friendly campus."

The program allows student to borrow one of 50 Charger Cycles - half female models and half male models. "We have selected Charger Union, Frank Franz Residence Hall, and Charger Village Residence Hall as the three locations where students can check out and check in the Charger Cycles," says Finley. "As the program grows, however, we hope to expand check-out capability to all residential halls and living communities."

To borrow a bike, students must first visit the desk assistant at a participating location and provide their Charger ID and UAH email. In return, they will receive a key with the number of the corresponding Charger Cycle printed on it that they can then use to unlock the bike or secure it when not in use. Helmets, while not provided, are encouraged.

"Students can keep the Charger Cycle for up to 24 hours before being required to return it to a check-in location," says Finley, adding that the SGA prohibits students from riding Charger Cycles off campus or while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

The program also has its own Charger Cycle staff devoted to bicycle maintenance and program operations. "We've invested a lot of time and money into this program," says Finley, "and we have taken the steps to ensure that this is a sustainable and successful program for years to come."