Princeton University Office of Sustainability

Use our REQUEST FORM to request a bicycle.

Requests are now being accepted for Summer 2011. Rentals will cost $20 for the summer.

If you have any questions or comments that have not been answered in our FAQs section below,
   please contact us at ubikes@princeton.edu.

In the fall of 2007, Princeton students launched the U-Bikes program, with broad support from the Office of Sustainability, Department of Public Safety, Forbes College, Transportation & Parking Services and student groups such as Greening Princeton and Students United for a Responsible Global Environment.  The intertwined goals of the U-Bikes program are focused on reusing an existing resource to provide a sustainable means of transportation for students while encouraging greater bicycle use in the community.

Every year, hundreds of bicycles are abandoned on campus, some of which need only a simple tune-up.  The U-Bikes program was inspired by a desire to salvage and repair these bicycles, provide them as a resource for the campus community and promote healthy and more sustainable lifestyles.

Public Safety provides the program with bicycles that have been discarded on campus.  They are then refurbished by a staff of volunteers before being redistributed for $25 per semester or $20 for the summer.  Each bike comes with a lock and free basic maintenance through the University's bicycle co-op, the CycLAB.  However, the renter is responsible in the event the bike is severely damaged or lost.

U-Bikes has recently moved into a new space at 130 University Place.  The program currently has about 50 refurbished bikes and over 100 brand new, custom Worksman Cycles.  The High Meadows Fund has provided additional support for the program's continued expansion.

What programs does UBikes run?

We run two programs on campus – one is the bike rental program available to the Princeton University community and the other is a BikeShare program that is available by departmental request. The bike rental program is available to Princeton students, staff, and faculty for a small rental fee that includes the provision of the rental, a lock, helmet, and basic maintenance throughout the term. The BikeShare program is a department based program. Bikes at these locations can be “rented out” by department members and remain lovingly cared for by the UBikes team. Together these two programs hope to encourage greater bicycles use in the community as a way of promoting healthy and sustainable lifestyles.

For details on the bike rental program please refer to the rest of the FAQ’s below. For more information about the BikeShare program please email us directly (ubikes@princeton.edu).

Who is eligible to rent a bike through UBikes? 

Bikes are available to members of the Princeton University community (basically anyone with a PUID) which includes students, staff, and faculty.

How much does it cost?

Bikes are available for rental for $25 / semester or $20 / summer. This rental fee includes the rental bike, a lock, helmet, and basic maintenance through the University’s very own bicycle-co op, the cycLAB.

How do I request a bike?

Requests can be submitted online through the request form that can be found above.

What kind of bikes do you have?

Our fleet is currently made up of refurbished bicycles that have been handpicked and lovingly restored by our friends and family at the cycLAB alongside noticeably newer Princeton orange Worksman bicycles.

When are you open and where are you located?

We are open Mondays and Thursdays from 5-7 pm, Saturdays from 3-5 pm, and during cycLAB open hours, which are Wednesdays from 5-9 pm and Sundays 1-5 pm. We are located at 130 University Place, in the parking lot between the Wawa and the Dinky.

What about bike maintenance in the area?

There are several bike shops in the area that provide maintenance to paying customers. More conveniently, however, is the cycLAB. The cycLAB is located on campus between the Wawa and the Dinky and is a do-it-yourself bicycle co-op staffed by friendly and experienced volunteers. The bicycle co-op aims to promote material recycling and a growing family of bicycle enthusiasts. The co-op does not charge for bike maintenance although donations are always greatly appreciated.

How are bikes assigned?

Bikes are assigned on a “first come first serve basis”. Bikes will be handed out in the order requests are received. We do not assign specific bikes to specific people before hand but distribute the bikes as requesters come into the office to pick up their rentals.

Staff.  "Princeton Students and Staff to Ride 20 New U-Bikes From Queens to Princeton."  Princeton University Website. 14 October 2009

Ackerman, Jack.  "U-Bikes to Ease Trek From Forbes."  The Daily Princetonian.  1 October 2007.