Bike Library
sponsored by the Office of Sustainability
NEW! Bike Mechanic Drop-in Sessions (Beginning May 21, 2013): Wednesdays 10:00 am-3:00 pm and Thursdays 10:00 am-1:00 pm
Drop in to the Bike Library, in the lower level of SUB near the Safewalk Office, to learn more about maintaining and repairing your bike.
Sustain SU's Cycling Listserv: To learn more about cycling events and information on campus and in Edmonton, click here to submit your name to the listserv.
Sustain SU launched the bike library program in 2005 and a steady flow of people have been visiting us ever since.
The Bike Library opens in early April and shuts down in late October. We hope that the Bike Library will enable U of A members to get around on and off campus a little more easily and affordably, and with a reduced impact on the environment. Plus, it's just fun to ride a bike outside when the weather's nice.
The campus bike library provides access to affordable alternative transportation.
The mandate of the Bike Library is to:
- Encourage sustainable transportation
- Provide the campus community with access to affordable alternative transportation
- Provide volunteers with a place to learn how to build and maintain bicycles.
- Promote physical activity, health & well-being.
How does the Library work?
The Bike Library rents bikes to all members of the campus community, which we define as being comprised of students, staff and faculty. We have approximately 30 bikes available for rental on a one month basis.
Our bike selection ranges from mountain bikes, cruisers, road bikes and various hybrids. Our green bikes come equipped with a U-lock, front and back light, and a bell.
We are unfortunately unable to provide helmets with the bikes. While the City of Edmonton does not require that adults over 18 wear helmets, Sustain SU strongly encourages our clients to wear helmets.
How do you rent a bike?
The bike library is a walk-in service, but is only available at select times during the week. Note: we require people to fill out a few forms, so renting a bike will take approximately 15 minutes. You will need:
- Your ONEcard
- $60 deposit (cash only and exact denomination; we do not have change)
The deposit is required to ensure the bike is returned in good working condition. We will deduct a portion of the deposit if the bike is not returned beyond regular wear and tear, and if the accessories we provide (U-lock, lights & bell) are damaged or missing.
If you are interested in renting a bike, please send us your contact information via e-mail.
Please read the City of Edmonton Bicycle Laws before rending out a bicycle so that you are aware of the laws regarding cycling in our city.
For information about cycling in Edmonton, check out the Edmonton Bicycle Commuters website.
Interested in volunteering with the Bike Library?
We're always looking for bike mechanics who will help us perform maintenance on the bikes in the library. We are also looking for volunteers to help us run the library during the summer by signing bikes in and out, for a commitment of roughly one to three hours per week.
Hours of Operation (Beginning May 21, 2013)
Tuesdays and Thursdays - 10:00 am-1:00 pm, Wednesdays 10:00 am-3:00 pm
Hours of operation vary depending on the time of year and the client demand. If you are interested, email Sustain SU and you will be added to the client list and be contacted once a bike becomes available. If you are interested in becoming a Bike Library volunteer please email Sustain SU. Tuesdays are a great opportunity to come and help out with rentals! It is located in the basement of SUB, near the Safewalk office.
Phone
780-492-7134
Monday to Friday
Hours are irregular.
Best available by appointment.
Sustain SU Office
Room 030R
Students' Union Building
University of Alberta
8900 - 114 Street NW
Edmonton, AB
T6G 2J7
