For years the idea of a bike share program for Penn state was on the table.
But it wasn’t put into action until Cecily Zhu was hired as the Coordinator for Alternative Transportation for the University.

“We want to give students and employees accessible, affordable, and environmentally sustainable way to get around campus,” Zhu said.

Penn State partnered with Zagster for an easy to use program that launched in August.
There’s 17 bike stations and a total of 85 bikes on campus.
Folks just download the Zagster app, select their location, and unlock their ride.

Zhu says other ways of commuting, like buses, are helpful but not always the best option downtown.

“They’re set on certain routes that won’t reach the certain nooks and crannies of campus,” Zhu said.

This is a way for students and community members to create their own environment-friendly routes.

“If they have to get to campus, they park once and they have all these other alternative transportation options to get around campus, which reduces their carbon footprint and the carbon footprint of our campus,” Zhu said.

Annual memberships are available to purchase from $25 to $50 dollars, depending on if your a student, staff member, or a community member.
In less than a month nearly 400 people have signed up and nearly 4,000 bikes have been rented.
Software communicates with the bikes, so Zhu can see when bikes are active and what places see the most rentals.

“It’s meant for everyone. It’s meant to encourage students who are part of the community but also the community at large as well as visitors to get into biking in general,” Zhu said.

Soon there will also be a two-seat tandem bike available to rent.
It’s intended for anyone who may not be able to bike on their own.