The Ohio State University to Incorporate Accessible Bikes in New Bicycle-Sharing Program

The Ohio State University has recently been in negotiations with Zagster, a worldwide bicycle-sharing program, to provide this service to their Columbus campus. Largely a student-led initiative, the university considered several other bicycle-sharing programs like Motivate, Nextbike, Inc., Social Bicycles Inc, and The Gotcha Group LLC before selecting Zagster.

Ohio State's program will begin with 115 bicycles and 15 stations.

"'Our students, and the entire university community, have unique needs and we believe Zagster’s proposal offers the most comprehensive and cost-effective solution,' said Jennifer Evans-Cowley, Ohio State vice provost for capital planning and regional campuses."

Not only will Zagster provide commuter bicycles, but also tandem, hand cycle, electric assist, heavy duty and three-wheeled cargo bikes.

“We recognize that we have a diverse community, needing different types of bikes for different purposes,” Evans-Cowley said. “A cargo bike could be used to transport groceries while a tandem bike will allow a student who is blind to ride along with his or her sight guide. We are optimistic Ohio State will be a leader in accessible bicycle-sharing with a system that provides maximum flexibility.”

Read more from the university's newsroom by clicking here.

» Did you know bicycles are considered an OPDMD (Other power-driven mobility device) in the 2010 ADA Title II and III Regulations? Learn more here.