Charlotte Wheels is a new campus bike-share program using Gotcha Bikes. Ten rack corrals have been installed, and 50 Gotcha Bikes are available for rent.
The bikes are belt-driven and have Shirmano three-speed internal gears; they also have baskets with bungee cords to secure books and packages. Safety lights illuminate the front and rear.
Bikes can be reserved from the computer on the back of the bike or through the Social Bicycles app. Two pricing plans are available. A point-to-point plan allows for 60 minutes of ride time per day with no membership fee. The Lifestyle plan is a $30 yearly membership that provides two hours of ride time per day.
PaTs Transportation Manager Helena Connors said, "Not only will Charlotte Wheels offer a new mode of transportation to get around campus, it will open up new places to explore — like the greenway."
Jerry Mann, avid cyclist and former director of the Popp Martin Student Union, interrupted his retirement to help PaTS launch the program. "Students, faculty and staff now have the freedom to pick up a bike at a convenient location and immediately travel around campus at a low cost, while also burning calories and utilizing non-fossil fuel transportation."
Several groups and departments helped bring bike sharing to UNC Charlotte, including PaTS and Business Services, Facilities Management Planning and Grounds units and the Office of Sustainability. Charlotte Green Initiative provided grant funding, too.
Details and restrictions are on the web; prospective Charlotte Wheels users are reminded that helmet use is strongly advised.