Bicycle Shop
 

BISON BIKES

 

Are you a student at Bucknell and in need of a bike for the semester? Our bike share program offers longer term rentals each semester. Bikes are requested and provided on a first come first serve basis. There is no cost to rent a bike through this program. See below for specific FAQ's.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is Bison Bikes?

Bison Bikes is a bike share program originally created as a student organization through Bucknell's Student Government. Outdoor Education & Leadership (OEL) now manages this program through our Rental Center. Bison Bikes provides longer term rentals each semester to current Bucknell students at no cost. Students can request a bike through our portal (website). Requests are filled first come first serve and based on bike size availability. Students are able to schedule appointments for ongoing maintenance and other related needs throughout the semester. Regular maintenance costs are taken care of by the program and not the responsibility of the student. Significant damanges or a lost/stolen bike is the financial responsibility of the student. Each bike rental includes a bike lock and helmet.



How do I rent a bike through Bison Bikes?

At the start of each fall and spring semester we will make our Bike Request form available here on our portal (website). Simply complete the information requested and submit. Regardless of availability, our staff will be in touch within 2-3 regular business days to confirm the status of your request. If a bike is available, you will be asked to complete a Policies Acknowledge form digitally and shedule an appointment to pick up your bike, bike lock and helmet. At the time of pick up, you will also need to review and agree to our Rental Agreement and Liability Form. You will be required to schedule a return time towards the end of the semester per the expectations outlined at the time you originally picked up the bike. You can always Contact Us directly with more questions about the bike request and rental process.



Damage Policy

Regular use of bikes will result in basic maintenance needs (flat tire, chain pops off, brake issues, etc.). Repair and/or maintenance needs as a result of standard wear and tear can be serviced by OEL Rental Center Staff at no cost to the renter. If damage occurs to bikes as a result of abuse or neglect (running it into a curb, attempting to ride down stairs, etc.) renters will assume the responsibility of fees for repairing or replacing bikes/bike parts as required. Repair and replacement fees will be reviewed and assessed by the Rental Center Student Manager, OEL Graduate Assistants and/or the OEL Professional Staff. Failure to pay damage fees within two weeks from the date they are shared with the renter will result in the renter's information being sent to the Finance Office who may place a hold on the renter's account.



Lock Policy

Every Bison Bike renter is provided with a bike lock upon bike rental. Renters are required to use the lock distributed by the OEL Rental Center for their Bison Bike. Bikes must be locked appropriately around the frame and front tire when not in use. If a bike is found unlocked or locked inappropriately, the bike may be confiscated and the renter will be issued an initial warning. If a second offense occurs, the bike may be confiscated and the renter will be suspended from Bison Bike rentals for the rest of the semester. If a renter fails to lock the bike responsibly or does not use the provided lock and the bike is stolen, they will be held responsible for the bike theft. The renter will be responsible for paying all fees associated with replacement of their stolen equipment. Failure to pay replacement fees within two weeks from the date they are shared with the renter will result in the renter's information being sent to the Finance Office who may place a hold on the renter's account.



Return Date Policy

All Bison Bikes will be due during a designated date window/range toward the end of each semester. This will be pre-determined by the OEL Rental Center and shared with the renter at the time the bike is rented. It is the renter's responsibility to schedule their return during this period of time. Failure to return a bike during this period of time will result in late fees as explained in our Late Fee Policy.



Late Fee Policy

Bikes, locks with key, and helmets must be returned during the pre-determined time period as agreed during initial pick up. Late returns of the rental package - bike + locks/key + helmet will incur a flat late fee of $10/day until the cost of the equipment is reached. Bikes, locks with key and helmets returned at different times will result in itemized daily late fees of $10 for the bike, $2 for the lock/key and $2 for the helmet per day until the cost of the equipment is reached. Failure to pay replacement fees within two weeks from the date they are shared with the renter will result in the renter's information being sent to the Finance Office who may place a hold on the renter's account.