The College of Charleston Bike Share was developed by a student-led team, with organizational and planning support from the Office of Sustainability. It’s founded on the idea that bicycling can be a safe, healthy, sustainable, and fun way to get around campus and around Charleston.
The bike share program was revealed during Sustainability Week 2013. It fully launched on the first day of classes for the Fall 2013 semester. The program, a collaboration between Sustainability and the Office of Student Life, is open to all current students, faculty, and staff members at the College. In order to use the bicycles, participants must sign up for the program, watch an online safety video, and sign a liability waiver. The process is simple and participants gain access to unlimited bike rentals.
All 8 of the bikes available for rent are 3G Isla Vista Beach Cruisers which were purchased from a local bicycle shop. All bikes include a helmet, front and back lights, and a Kryptonite U-lock. The bikes are also registered with the Public Safety Office. Bikes can be checked out from the Stern Student Center information desk using a Cougar Card. Participants can keep the bike for the day and return the bike back to the Student Center information desk.
Rental hours are as follows:
Fall and Spring Semesters:
- Monday-Thursday: 7:00 a.m.- midnight
- Friday: 7:00 a.m.- 10:00 p.m.
- Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to midnight
Summer Semester:
- Monday-Friday: 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Saturday and Sunday: Closed
Bikes are available for check-out at Stern beginning one hour after opening and must be returned no later than one hour before closing to avoid a late fee.
There are currently over 170 registered users for the program which includes a mixture of students, faculty, and staff members. Renting a bike can come in handy if you want to grab lunch across town, take a stroll around Charleston (or campus), or simply use as a means of transportation.