The university is expanding its alternative transportation options with the launch of a new bike share program serving campus and the Ann Arbor area.

ArborBike is a membership-based, sustainable transportation system providing faculty, staff, students and the local community with access to more than 100 bicycles available on the go. Ten of its 14 bike stations are launching this month with the remainder scheduled to be operational by spring 2015.  

The university partnered with Ann Arbor’s Clean Energy Coalition, the city of Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority and the Downtown Development Authority to establish the $1.55 million, three-year pilot program.

The university has pledged $600,000 to help cover operations for the first three years, with memberships and other sponsorships expected to cover the remaining program costs.

“The launch of ArborBike is a tremendous opportunity for Ann Arbor, and a great example of university and community collaboration around sustainability, mobility, wellness, quality of life and innovative practice,” said Steve Dolen, executive director of Parking & Transportation Services.

Beginning in late September, riders may pick up a bicycle at any of the solar-powered, ArborBike stations. Each station includes several bike docks, a map of routes to other stations and a kiosk where daily memberships can be purchased.

Five stations are located on campus property near or at the following intersections:

• Murfin Avenue and Hubbard Street.

• Murfin and Bonisteel Boulevard.

• Zina Pitcher Place and Catherine Street.

• Central Campus Recreation Building at Washtenaw Avenue.

• Madison and State streets.

Other stations are located in the city near:

• Main and Washington streets.

• Kerrytown Farmer’s Market area near Detroit and North Fifth streets.

• State Street and North University Avenue.

• South University and East University avenues.

• Library Lane and South Fifth Avenue.

Memberships also may be purchased online at www.arborbike.org, and range from $6 for a daily pass; $20 for the week; and annual passes for U-M students at $45 and $50 for faculty and staff.

Riders can take unlimited trips, but usage fees apply when bikes are not returned to a station within the ride-time allowed in their memberships.

The bikes are custom designed and manufactured by Trek with three-speeds. Each bike is blue with a bell, front and rear lights and a Planet Blue sticker on its basket. ArborBike staff is responsible for maintaining the bikes with financial assistance from the university.

The bike share complements existing alternative transportation options offered through Parking & Transportation Services including the Blue Bikes rental program, Zipcar car-sharing and electric vehicle charging stations.