To: President Harker

CC: UD Transportation Services, Board of Directors

Subject: Bringing a Rent-A-Bike Service to UD

Body:

Dear President Harker,

We would like to start by thanking you for your time and consideration of this idea and

proposal.

For a while now there have been transportation concerns among the students. During

rush times between classes, buses are often full and many students wind up late to class even

though they allocated 20 minutes or more to wait for a bus. This is especially true for the later

bus stops on the North/South campus express route. It is evident that there are opportunities for

improvement in student transportation, and we believe that introducing a Rent-A-Bike service

(tentatively named Blue Hen Bike Share) to the University of Delaware campus would go a long

way in both mitigating these transportation issues and providing a more easily accessible

campus.

Attached is a formal proposal for bringing the Rent-A-Bike service to the University of

Delaware campus, along with costs and estimated construction times.

Thank you,

Concerned Students

Attachments: UDelRentABikeProposal.docx

UDelRentABikeProposal.docx:

BLUE HEN BIKE SHARE PROPOSAL AND

PLAN RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE

UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE

Concerned Group of University Delaware Students

6 February 2015

Prepared for President Harker,

UD Transportation Services,

and the Board of Directors

Table of Contents Abstract ............................................................................................................................................................... 1

Executive Summary ............................................................................................................................................ 2

Introduction ......................................................................................................................................................... 3

Discussion ............................................................................................................................................................ 4

Map Layout and Details ................................................................................................................................. 4

Benefits ............................................................................................................................................................. 6

Cost Breakdown:............................................................................................................................................. 7

Time Table ..................................................................................................................................................... 10

Potential Drawbacks ..................................................................................................................................... 11

Conclusion ......................................................................................................................................................... 12

Recommendations ............................................................................................................................................. 13

References .......................................................................................................................................................... 14

1

Abstract

The University of Delaware is undoubtedly one of the most prestigious schools in the

area and a growing competitor to Ivy League Universities. Aside from its outstanding

academics, the University of Delaware is also home to one of the most beautiful campuses in the

nation. However, the immense size of our campus has posed transportation problems for

students from the furthest corners of campus to the most populated areas. Having an easier

method of transportation that is readily available to the student or customer can be a leap towards

a better campus experience. Bringing a rent-a-bike service to the University of Delaware can

solve these existing problems and positively influence the campus for years to come. This

detailed proposal and plan outlines the major steps the University of Delaware can take to bring

this idea to reality

2

Executive Summary

Having been enrolled at the University of Delaware for approximately three years we, a

concerned group of upper-class students, have much experience about campus life from our time

here. We have taken notice of the transportation problems around this campus and have an

ingenious solution. Our group members major in a myriad of different disciplines which results

in an eclectic range of perspectives on the proposal of Blue Hen Bike Share.

The plan contains realistic information based on the observed campus traffic and data

obtained from the University of Delaware. The Blue Hen Bike Share hub locations and layouts

are strategically placed to accommodate the busiest parts of the campus and ensure that a bike is

readily accessible within 100 feet from most campus locations. Budgeting the project and the

length of construction have been determined through estimates and inquiries made by our group

leaders. We will highlight reasons why this service would be invaluable to the school, the

attached benefits and potential drawbacks.

Our group decided that the key features of the service should include:

A simple but effective means of transportation can be used such as a bike

There is enough land owned by the University to build bike hubs scattered about campus

Some areas of campus desperately need a better source of transportation

The program can fit in the budget of the school and yield a steady income

Installation can be done while students are away (either in the summer or winter) with

minimal confliction between other construction

The bikes are environmentally friendly and can lead to a better campus experience

3

Introduction

The University of Delaware (UD) has always strived to be the best, thus acting hand-in-hand

with its motto Dare To Be First. While UD students have little to complain about regarding

campus life, the problem of getting around campus has been the biggest ordeal. UD maintains an

impeccable campus; however, navigating from far dormitories to class is a struggle for some

students. Bus routes around campus, tiers of parking lots, and bike racks distributed around the

premises have assisted students who are averse to the long walk. Our observations show that, in

many ways, these forms of transportation have flaws that repulse students. Whether it be the

long waits for the bus, the lack of available parking close to campus, or the overcrowded bike

racks, there is a glaring issue and the students want change.

Due to the high population of campus inhabitants, transportation-related congestion is

inevitable. This is a perpetual issue in most metropolitan cities where rent-a-bike services are

currently being introduced. So far, spectacular results have been documented with a notable

reduction in traffic congestion. Replicating this service on the UD campus could provide a

drastic reduction in traffic congestion and improve the quality of the University. We have

included an outline of the benefits, potential drawbacks, proposed plans of action and time and

cost estimates for Blue Hen Bike Share program.

4

Discussion

Map Layout and Details

5

The Blue Hen Bike Share would consist of four primary hubs. The primary hubs consist

of two or more rotating bike stations. Each station would consist of a rod with fifteen

independently rotating circular cages resting on ball bearings. The design resembles a ferris

wheel and the cages would accommodate three bikes each for a total of 45 bikes per station. The

cages would temporarily lock at three points, requiring the user to press a button or pull a lever

to unlock the joints to then allow the cage to rotate, providing access to the other bikes. The hub

on North campus will be divided among three locations; two bike stations in front of

Independence East, two near Christiana Towers, and two between James Smith and Thomas

McKean.

The secondary hubs would also use this rotating cage mechanism, but would only have

one station per location. The tertiary hubs would consist of non-rotating stations with 10-15

bikes per station.

A bike would be accessed by swiping a student ID or credit/debit card at the station.

After logging the customers information, a code will be provided which the user would enter at

the keypad located next to their desired bike. The station would then release the bike at that

location, allowing the customer to successfully retrieve and use the bike. Upon returning that

bike to any station, the customer would swipe their information a second time and log the slot on

the station where they stored the bike. That slot would then lock, and the customer would be

charged for the amount of time the bike had been out of a station. Bikes would cost one dollar

per hour, rounding up to the nearest hour and terminating when the bike is returned. Each session

is independent so renting another bike within the same hour will incur a new set of charges.

6

Benefits There are many benefits to having this bike service on the UD campus. The bike share

would provide a faster and more convenient method of travel as opposed to waiting for the bus

and hoping there is room for you when it gets to your stop. This also helps to relieve the

overcrowding issue for the bus transportation system. Students would be able to access these

rental bikes easily since there will be stations strategically situated all over campus. Using these

bikes also promote a healthy student body and an eco-friendly campus. As for the university,

there will be a fee associated with renting these bikes which will generate revenue. The charges

for renting the bikes will come directly out of their flex accounts, which can be reloaded as

necessary. If the students choose not to use their flex accounts and want to rent a bike they can

always swipe a debit or credit card to start a rental session. In the long run, implementing this

new transportation system on campus will benefit both the students and the university.

7

Cost Breakdown:

Initial

Retail cost per bike: $330

Discounted Bulk Price (~15% off) = $280 (quoted from Bike Line, Newark, DE)

Total Bike Capacity: Library - 135

North Campus - 270

North Green - 45

McKinley Lab - 45

On the Green - 20

Perkins-90

South Campus - 45

Kirkbride Circle - 30

Lot #10 - 10

ISE Building - 20

Little Bob - 90

Amy DuPont Circle - 20

Total - 820 bike slots (600 actual bikes)

Total Bike Cost: $168,000

Other Equipment:

(Automated payment stations, automatic locking bike racks, Construction tools and

supplies, wiring) = $578,000

Workers: Construction workers ($14 per hour) x 28 = $392 per hour

Electrical safety engineer ($35 per hour) x 1 = $35 per hour

8

Civil Engineer ($35 per hour) x 1 = $35 per hour

Hours required: 80 hours (primary) = $36,960

40 hours (secondary) = $18,480

30 hours (tertiary) = $13,860

Total worker wages: $69,300

Daily

Wages (Students): ($10 per hour) x 15 students x 12 hours = $1,800 per day

Estimated maintenance costs = $300 per day

9

Fig.1 Initial Infrastructure Expenses required for the project

Fig. 2 Daily Expense vs. Revenue

10

Time Table

The construction of the primary (main) hubs (Perkins, Library, Little Bob, North

Campus) should begin during spring break. During this time the ground will be dug up and the

hubs will be connected to electrical wires. After spring break ends, it will take another two-three

weeks to finish assembling the rotating bike station based on weather. After the main hubs are

complete, it will take a week to register bikes, load them into the stations and successfully

calibrate the automated stations. Simultaneously, the secondary hubs (McKinley, North Green)

can start undergoing construction. The secondary hubs should take two-three weeks to build and

can be done at the same time. The tertiary hubs need to be connected to electrical wires, but are

simpler stations so assembly is faster and easier, estimating 1-2 weeks for complete installation.

Total time from initial construction to completion is estimated to be a maximum of 6-8 weeks if

all the tertiary hubs are constructed simultaneously.

11

Potential Drawbacks

As with all public works projects, there will be several risks to take into account. After careful

consideration of several aspects of the project we have decided on a group of high profile risks.

First and foremost is the possibility of theft of the equipment. This threat can be mitigated with

the payment system used for the rental of the bikes. While using a debit, credit, or a Student Flex

account, a financial hold can be placed on a students account in the event that equipment goes

missing. In this case the full cost of the bike will be deducted from the students account.

Bike overcrowding is another issue to keep in mind, as students are going to be taking

bikes to and from several locations daily. To deal with this issue, we agreed that the University

should employ a handful of students to receive surplus bikes that wont fit at the high traffic

areas and ship them to lower traffic areas or stations that are low on bikes.

The last major issue discussed was the cost of keeping the bikes in optimal condition. The

bikes will undoubtedly be subjected to wear and tear so the best option for minimizing repair

costs is to buy high-quality, durable bikes with the added option of employing student mechanics

to fix damaged bikes.

12

Conclusion

When examining the overall profitability of this new venture. It is indisputable that it will

only serve to enhance our esteemed campus and provide students with a morale boost to excel at

all their on campus endeavors.

This new bike system is a simple yet effective means of transportation for the student body and a

financial asset for the university. The costs of purchasing the bikes and installing the equipment

is affordable for the university and will yield long term profits. The transportation issues during

peak times during the day would be considerably reduced, if not resolved.

As students, we are passionate about seeing this idea come to fruition and we look forward to

spreading the word about Blue Hen Bike Share in the near future.

13

Recommendations

The University of Delaware install a bike share service on campus property

Integrate all necessary bike hub info into UD Transportation app.

Bike fixer stations also to be installed to support and maintain the bikes all year

Install primary hubs in places that have a high volume of students living there and lower

tier hubs accordingly

Work this project into the budget of the school as soon as possible

Start construction of hubs in a reasonable time distance from the start of the 2015 Fall

semester

Charge a below average price (

14

References

Bike Line employee, Greg Sadler, provided the total bike cost with the bulk ordering

discount. Capital Bike Share provided a framework for our own customized service.

Additionally, as engineering students we were able to closely estimate the building costs. We

were able to evaluate the cost of the machines used at the hub by contacting Cardtronics, an

Automated Teller Machine (ATM) design company.