Auburn University's War Eagle Bike Share

As it is spring break and the campus is rather empty, I decided today to explore a different technology with a different kind of learning:  our new bike share program.  My colleagues and I turned this into a field triplet.

So, the first big note:  If you are thinking about just walking up to one of the 9 locations or hubs we have on campus and grab a bike for the very first time, you will be in for a disappointment as you do need to take the time to go to
http://gotchabike.com/auburn-university/
and register, including providing a credit card.  For your convenience, you can also download the
Social Bicycles app:  https://app.socialbicycles.com/ to have the map available that shows how many bikes are ready to go at any given location, and it keeps track of where you have gone, and how long you have been on the road.

This is what a hub looks like:

Bike Hub

I noticed that in spite of the large number of bikes, my app told me that only one bike was available. Turns out that all but one bike, when we tried to activate them, showed to be in repair.

When you find a bike in working order, look to the back of the bike where you find the solar panel and a small panel where you can enter your 4 digit code or your account number.

Bike Panel

Now your count down starts on your daily two free hours of biking -- and you have such options as calling in a repair, or holding the bike when you have to park it at a location that is not one of the hubs.  Note that if you go over the two hours, you will be charged $5.00 per hour.

Storing bike lock

Locked Bike

The bikes are locked with a yellow U lock that you put to the side of the bike, and then you are off:  with front and back lights, 3 gears, a little bell, an easy way to adjust the height of the saddle, and a little basket in front for your bag or backpack, you are ready to go.

On the Go

Of course, there are rules to follow, and I think we managed to break them all on our first outing today.

Bike Rules