The Bike Share Program

General FAQ

Why do we need a Bike Share at UTSC?

Who would benefit from a Bike Share?

Would anyone use a Bike Share?

Who runs the Bike Share program?

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Why do we need a Bike Share at UTSC?

Recent figures show that only 8.3% of students live on residence at UTSC, meaning that over 90% of students commute to school. That's a total of 8,389 students! At a school where the greater majority of students commute, transportation is an important issue to us. We believe that students need a reliable access to alternative modes of transportation, starting with a Bike Share.

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Who would benefit from the UTSC Bike Share?

Everyone benefits! For example:
- Whether it be a trip to the grocery store, STC, the local pool or the library, a Bike Share would bring a whole new level of mobility to Residence students.
- Students who commute are welcome to borrow bikes overnight and ride them to and from campus.
- Group rides make for great social activity! Student organizations are welcome create bike-related events or even bike to off-campus attractions.

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Would anyone use a Bike Share?

The successful Bike Share operating at UTM provides an excellent opportunity for comparison. UTM has a similar geographic location, layout and student population as UTSC, and as satellite campuses located 30 km from the downtown core, both UTSC and UTM students need to rely on local bicycle support communities. The fact the UTM Bike Share has enjoyed the level of success that it has leads us to believe a similar program at UTSC would also be successful.

Admittedly, it is impossible to judge how popular a Bike Share would be based on how many students currently bike to school since not all students are currently in a position to do so. However, the bike racks that do exist were filled to capacity on most days this past year, and some students have been locking their bikes elsewhere on campus, including building signs.

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Who runs the Bike Share program?

The Bike Share Program is a joint program that is provided by the SCSU and the UTSC Bike Movement. Since the programs creation in 2006 we had a lot of individuals who have helped with the development and implementation of the program. Here are this years' team members:

Paul Yang, Bike Share Program Coordinator: hi everyone, I m Paul! I am someone who believes in saving the environment and adapting a practical solution. In this case, I mean the new SCSU BikeShare program that will be launched this summer. For practical, it provides a safe, fast and free way for students to enjoy their summer and to for many students are get off the campus once in a while. As well, it allows students to cut the cost of transportation from their already thin budgets. Furthermore, from the environmental perspective, it is a great and easy way to do a little for the environment, to choose a vehicle of transportation that for once, don’t produce and greenhouse gases. I bring to this position experience, dedication and more importantly, a vision to see to the fullest potential that the program can have in the future. I am currently heading into my second year as a student at UTSC. I look forward to an exiting summer session as one of the BikeShare coordinators. I will put forth my best effort to fulfill the potential of the program and I encourage all students/faculty/and members of the community come and have a try of on one of our new bikes.

After all, a little means a lot. --David Suzuki

Balakrishnan Saishankar, Bike Share Program Coordinator: Hi every one, I am shankar! I am pursuing a double major degree in physical sciences and psychology at UTS. I am so excited to be a part of this program by which we try to enhance your student experience here at UTS! What makes me feel so good about this program is our concern about the environment. Come and join us to show your interest!

Wilson Wan, Bike Movement Executive

Johnny Westgate, (founding mechanic) is now a PhD student at Scarborough studying Environmental Chemistry.  He taught himself bike mechanics while working in an outdoor store, and lead repair and maintenance clinics during bike week for several years.  He is privileged to own three bikes – one each for road racing, mountain biking, and commuting – and he rides to school nearly every day in all weather simply because he’s stubborn.

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