University of Michigan launches bicycle rental program

University of Michigan launched a bicycle rental program this fall.

Thirty bikes are for rent through the Blue Bikes program at the rate of $5 per day, $11 per week and $75 per semester. They're available at U-M's Outdoor Adventures office located on 336 Hill St. and the North Campus recreational center.

Bicycles come with a helmet and a lock.

The school says the rental program is a response to requests to make the campus more bike-friendly.

"Offering the bike rental program is progress toward meeting our goals in alternative transportation," said Steve Dolen, executive director of Parking & Transportation Services.

Earlier this year, U-M was named among the country's 35 most bike-friendly colleges.

Michigan State University already has a bike rental program in place. Bikes at MSU cost $75 per semester. Students at U-M's Flint campus have free bike rentals available.

Additionally, the campus is exploring a bicycle share program that would allow them to operate similarly to Zipcar, allowing participants to pick up and drop off bicycles when needed.

This fall the school is installing a station near the transit center on central campus where bicyclists can access tools needed to fix their bicycles. The school also plans to install new bike racks and two public air pump stations.