by Lauren Rathmell '17
photo by Melissa Olson
If you’re rushing to a class or meeting, the trek across Kent State’s 866-acre campus can be daunting. An expansion to the campus bike-share program, Flashfleet, provides a quick alternative.
VENDOR: Nextbike, a German company that develops and operates bike-sharing systems, provided 60 new bikes with a technology-based system that Recreational Services supports.
TECHNOLOGY: Equipped with GPS computers, the sturdy bikes have an integrated lock system. Registered users can unlock them in a variety of ways without the need for an attendant.
LOCATION: Bikes can be rented and returned to any of eight Flashfleet locations across campus and in downtown Kent.
COST: Users can choose a pay-as-you-go plan at $2/hour or opt for an annual membership that costs students $25, faculty and staff $35 and non-Kent State community members $45 for up to three ride hours per day at no additional cost, then $1/hour over that.
BENEFIT: “We want to build a supportive biking culture at Kent State,” says Chris John, assistant director with the Department of Recreational Services. “Biking is a great transportation option for a healthy and sustainable campus.”
Visit www.kent.edu/recservices/flashfleet for more information.