If you’re looking for an active and sustainable way to get to campus that doesn’t include struggling up those challenging hills, you’re in luck. Mobi’s bike share program (with e-bikes!) is expanding to the Vancouver campus. Three electrified bike share stations will be installed on campus this Fall with a total of 10-13 stations anticipated by Summer 2024.
Here's a map of the station locations:
While the existing HOPR bikes on campus are useful for travelling shorter distances around campus, Mobi’s e-bikes will provide a bike share option for trips off campus and are great for longer rides, better connecting us with the rest of the region.
“Having access to shared E-bikes is truly a game-changer for anyone looking for affordable and sustainable ways to get to campus,” said Adam Hyslop, Manager, Transportation Planning at Campus and Community Planning. “The expansion of Mobi to campus is part of our continuing work to improve the cycling experience to and from campus, helping UBC meet its ambitious sustainability, wellbeing and climate action goals.”
The campus community will also benefit from significant discounts on annual memberships to Mobi, which include a new 365 Day E-bike Inclusive Pass for just $149 exclusively for UBC staff, students and faculty. The purchase of this pass will also include a free 365-Day Pass for HOPR.
“Students need more affordable commuting options to get to campus,” said Esmé Decker, President of UBC’s Alma Mater Society. “For many students, purchasing an e-bike might not be feasible, so having the option to use a discounted bike share program is an incredible resource that students should definitely take advantage of.”
Over 150,000 trips are made to and from campus each day, making it critical to provide the community with programs and incentives like these to help reduce single occupancy vehicle trips - a significant source of GHG emissions. According to Mobi, one in five Mobi trips replace car trips.
The new stations were made possible by funding from the Province’s BC Active Transportation Infrastructure Grants program ($500,000) and TransLink’s Bicycle Infrastructure Capital Cost Share program ($113,000). Both programs help to expand active transportation infrastructure to encourage the use of more sustainable modes of transportation.
“TransLink is proud to partner with UBC to expand bike share infrastructure on campus and to support cycling as a way of getting to, and getting around, UBC,” said Sarah Ross, VP, Transportation Planning & Policy at TransLink. “As we work to create communities where active transportation is the most convenient choice for shorter trips, we know how important it is to invest in infrastructure to give people access to a wide range of transportation options.”
Learn more about bike share on campus and how you can access UBC member discounts.