In an attempt to shift away from dependency on fossil fuels for transportation and towards more sustainable solutions, the Luther College Bike Share Program provides 5, single-speed coaster brake bikes and 3 multiple-speed bikes free to the Luther community.  Bike sharing can be an innovative way of promoting exercise without requiring significant lifestyle changes.  It allows individuals to efficiently integrate exercise into their lives while pursuing an already necessary destination or location.  In these two aspects, Luther is simultaneously promoting personal wellness as well as doing its part to contribute to environmental sustainability.

Not only do bikes provide a refreshing alternative to a generally inactive modern lifestyle but bicycles also provide on-demand transport that allows you to reach locations not easily or efficiently accessible by other forms of transportation, such as motorized vehicles. In areas such as downtown Decorah, bikes are often the best way to move around, especially if you are short on time and money.

How the Bike Share Program Works

Bikes and helmets may be checked out at the Circulation Desk in Preus Library for up to four hours per day.  Bikes must be returned to the library by closing time.  The regular operational hours for the library are (hours during breaks vary):

• Monday - Thursday:  7:30am - Midnight
• Friday:  7:30am - 7:30pm
• Saturday:  9:00am - 9:00pm
• Sunday:  Noon - Midnight 

During the summer the library is open from 7:30pm - 4:30pm and bikes are allowed to be checked out over night.

Bikes with Bags/Baskets

Bike # 6 has a rear rack that allows you to attach 1 or 2 pannier bags for carrying supplies. These bags can be checked out here. Also, Bikes 4 and 5 have rear baskets. 

Late Bike

If the bike is not returned on time, the user will be charged a late fee of $1/hour up to a maximum of $10/day for three days.  On the third day, the user will also be charged for the cost of the bike until the bike is returned.  Replacement fees are $200 for Yellow Bikes and $600 for Blue Bikes.

Late Helmet

Helmets must be returned with the bike.  If a helmet is not returned, the user will be notified for three days.  On the third late day, the user will be charged for the cost of the helmet until the helmet is returned.  The replacement fee is $25.

Seat Adjustment

All the bikes have quick release handles that allow you to adjust the seat to your height. Pull the quick release out, raise or lower the seat, and push the release back in. Caution: The blue bikes have a limit to how far the seat can safely be raised. If you are raising it high, check the seat pole for the markings that indicate this. If the seat is loose, tighten it by pulling the release out, turning it clockwise, and fastening it again.

Problems/Damages

If you encounter a bike with damage or some other problem, please ask for a work order form from the Circulation Desk.

Contact Sustainability Coordinator Dan Bellrichard at danbellrichard@luther.edu with questions or concerns.  Program sponsored by Luther College Wellness and the Sustainability Initiative