Stony Brook University Bike Share Program

Stony Brook University, through the Environmental Stewardship Office, has launched a bicycle sharing program that is offered to current Stony Brook University students in order to promote healthier habits, reduce the need for automobiles on campus and reduce our campus carbon footprint. The first round of the program started this past summer and it was an overwhelming success! After some initial lessons learned and through feedback from the first participants, we are changing the program slightly.

This revised program will start with 25 bicycles purchased by the University. Each bike will have a unique lock and key assigned to it. Each selected student would be issued a specific bicycle for the semester. Students who are selected to participate in the program would go to the Bursar's Office to pay a small $15 semester fee and a $15 bike, key and helmet deposit. Once these steps are completed, they will come to the Environmental Stewardship Office to watch a short University designated video, sign a waiver form and pick-up their bike, key and helmet.

Participants are then responsible for the bike they are given for the semester. They can ride it around campus (or off campus) and return it to one of the campus bicycle racks and lock it up again. The FreeWheel Collective on campus has agreed to assist the students with minor bicycle maintenance and repairs. Bicycles needing major repairs should be brought to the Environmental Stewardship Office.

If the program proves successful it will be expanded.

If you are interested in participating in this pilot program, please fill out the on-line form and submit it. Students will be chosen on a lottery basis. If you have additional questions, please email Bike_Share@notes.cc.sunysb.edu.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to join Stony Brook’s Bike Share Program, and what are the fees put toward?

It costs $15 to join the bike share for the semester, as well as a $15 key and helmet deposit. The dues pay for maintenance of equipment (i.e., chains, wheels, etc.) and other bike tools.

How many bikes are in the program and how many students is the program open to?

We have started the program with 25 bicycles. The program will allow 25 students to participate in the program initially. Additional students and bikes may be added as the program is assessed.

What months of the year is the program open?

The program will be available from approximately March 1^st through the first significant snowfall of the subsequent Fall or the end of the Fall semester, whichever comes first.

Am I allowed to take the bikes off campus?

Yes! Take the bike anywhere you want. Just be sure to lock the bike up wherever you are and bring it back to a designated campus bike rack. However, these bikes are not intended for extended off-campus use.

Am I required to wear the helmet provided by the program?

Helmets are strongly recommended for use while riding bicycles on the SBU Campus, however New York State does not require the use of helmets. It is the responsibility of each bicycle user to know and follow the New York State Vehicle and Traffic (V&T) Law and Stony Brook University’s Parking Rules and Regulations whenever operating a bicycle on roads or bicycle paths.

What if something is wrong with the bike?

First stop riding the bike! If the bike is making a chirping noise around the chain or any other strange noises, stop riding it because you may do more damage. If the bike's brakes aren't working as well as they should, stop riding immediately. First take it to the Free Wheel Collective during their hours for repairs - http://freewheelcollective.wordpress.com/. If it is urgent, call (631) 632-4925 or email bike_share@notes.cc.sunysb.edu.

What if I accidentally damage the bike?

This sometimes happens. We are not looking to hold users responsible for minor damage. If your assigned bike becomes damaged, please either email bike_share@notes.cc.sunysb.edu or call (631) 632-4925.

Am I allowed to loan the bicycle to a friend or relative?

No. The use of the bicycle is strictly for the person who signed up for the program.

Can I use my own lock with the bikes?

No. The University reserves the right to remove any non-issued lock connected to a bike in this program.

Will I always have access to a bike?

Yes, you will be issued your own bike for the semester. Please let us know immediately if you misplace your key by emailing bike_share@notes.cc.sunysb.edu or call (631) 632-4925.

Useful Links

Environmental Stewardship wishes to thank the members of our Bike Share Committee for their assistance, insight, and hard work in making this program a reality. In addition, their continued efforts will enhance the bicycling experience at Stony Brook University.

The committee membership for the 2010/2011 academic year is as follows:

Robert Aller, Marine Sciences professor
Dean Bowen, Department of Campus Recreation
Tara Fleming, Advancement Office
Susan Fusaro, Environmental Stewardship Office
Andrew Greco, Undergraduate student and Student Environmental Club representative
Kevin Kelly, Faculty Student Association
Matt Lammens, Graduate student and FreeWheel Collective representative
Julie Lekstutis, Division of Campus Residences
James O'Connor, Transportation and Parking Operations
Amy Provenzano, Environmental Stewardship Office
Suzanne Shane, Office of University Counsel
Martha Weller, Undergraduate student

Image of a Bike Share program bicycle.