ENVR 120 Reviving the Bike Rental Program (2025)

SUNY Potsdam faces sustainability challenges in transportation: with 1,873 registered vehicles on campus, most students opt to drive—even short distances—contributing to high carbon emissions (~400g CO₂ per mile) and potentially poor local air quality. A revived campus bike rental program would offer an eco-friendly alternative by reducing vehicle use. We found that previous efforts failed due to low-quality bikes and lack of maintenance planning. Our proposal includes a structured rental system with semester, yearly, and as-needed options, active during snow-free months. Estimated startup costs would be ~$7,350–$7,780, which includes bikes, helmets, locks, and basic maintenance tools. Reintroducing a bike rental system with clear rules, proper infrastructure, and sustainable funding could significantly reduce emissions and support a healthier, greener campus.