UBC has a new campus-wide public bike share program. The distinctive white and orange bikes can be picked up and dropped off all over campus, providing a faster way of getting around that’s fun, sustainable and healthy.
The sturdy, city-style bikes are provided by Dropbike, Canada’s largest dockless bike sharing company. Each one has a GPS-enabled smart locking system, powered by a solar panel in the basket.
Sign up for a plan and download the app. Once you’ve located a bike, you just need to scan the QR code to unlock the bike and begin your trip. For a dollar you can ride anywhere on campus for up to 60 minutes; monthly and longer-term plans are also available - for more info, download on the App Store or get it on Google Play.
You can end your trip anywhere on campus, but UBC recommends leaving it in a haven: a designated bike share parking spot. The program will launch with about 40 havens, with more in the works as preferred routes and destinations become clearer.
UBC’s Vancouver campus covers four square kilometers of mostly flat terrain, ideal for biking. The bike share program will make it easier for people to get between far-flung classes, get to and from the bus loop, and access the growing number of services and amenities in UBC’s neighbourhoods. And visitors will appreciate another way to explore the arts and culture sites on campus.
The program is rolling out with about 200 bikes, a number that will increase over time, depending on demand. Dropbike was selected through a competitive procurement-like process and will operate the pilot program at no cost to UBC under a one-year license agreement.
Visit transportation.ubc.ca for more information including a list of frequently asked questions.