Welcome to the University of Arkansas Bicycle Library! Bicycle rentals will be available starting September 3th, 2025!

 

What is the University of Arkansas Bicycle Library?

The Bicycle Library provides long-term bicycle rentals to University of Arkansas students, faculty, and staff at an affordable price. By providing affiliates with an affordable and sustainable mode of transportation, the Bicycle Library aims to encourage a more engaged and active lifestyle that supports the success and well-being of UofA affiliates.

The Bicycle Library is a collaborative effort between the Office for Sustainability, UREC Outdoors, and University Libraries.

Program Details

All bicycles have been sustainably sourced from around Northwest Arkansas. Our team has hand selected a collection of commuter friendly bikes, working to give each one a new life. Bicycles available come in a variety of colors, sizes, and styles. The bicycles issued through the Bicycle Library are designed for commuting and are not appropriate for racing, trick riding, mountain biking, or use on rough terrain.

Bicycles are available to rent in one-semester, two-semester, or annual increments. Participants renting for more than one semester will be required to get a bike checkup at UREC Outdoors to ensure the bicycle remains in good working order. Participants can temporarily store their bike with the Office for Sustainability over summer, winter, and/or spring break while they are away from campus for no additional charge.

Each bicycle comes with a helmet, a U lock, front and back bike lights, and free labor on repairs during the rental period. Current rental rates are $25 per semester, or $75 for a full academic year plus the summer.

How It Works

  1. Students, faculty, and staff can rent a bicycle through the Bicycle Library, managed by UREC Outdoors and Office for Sustainability.
  2. To make a reservation, call UREC Outdoors at (479) 575-2267
  3. Reserved bikes will be available to pick up between 9am and 5pm on days the Office for Sustainability is open. A pickup time and day will be determined at the time the reservation is made.
  4. Students can choose to rent their bike for a single semester, for the academic year, or for a full year, including the summer.
  5. Participants who choose to rent for two semesters or more may temporarily return their bicycle during breaks to store at no additional cost. Contact the Office for Sustainability by calling 470-575-7101 or emailing sustain@uark.edu to schedule a drop off.
  6. Participants will receive free labor on all repairs while participating in the bicycle rental program. Call UREC Outdoors to schedule an appointment. Participants are responsible for the cost of replacement parts.
  7. Participants renting for more than one semester must bring their bike to UREC Outdoors for a checkup at the end of each semester to ensure the bike is in good working order. Checkups must be scheduled with UREC Outdoors.
  8. At the end of the rental period, participants are expected to return their bicycle, ULock, and lights to UREC Outdoors. 

Eligibility and Availability

  • Participants must have a valid UARK ID number and actively work on campus or be enrolled in courses.
  • Bikes are available to rent on a first come first served basis.
  • Bikes may only be ridden by the individual to whom it is rented out to.

Rental Rates, Fees, and Financial Assistance

  • Rental fees:
    • One semester = $25
    • Two semesters = $50
    • Full academic year + summer = $75
  • Participants wanting to extend their rental agreement can do so by contacting UREC Outdoors.
  • Participants renting for more than one semester will be required to bring their bike into UREC Outdoors towards the end of each semester for a checkup. Checkups can be scheduled by calling UREC Outdoors. Failure to schedule a checkup will result in a $15 fee.
  • Bicycles not returned within 7 days after the final return date (due to them being lost, damaged, stolen, etc.) will be charged a $280 bicycle replacement fee.
  • Participants who reserve a bike and do not pick up will be charged the full rental fee.
  • Participants are responsible for damages to the bike and will be charged depending on the parts necessary to fix said repair.
  • Bicycles damaged beyond repair will result in a $280 bicycle replacement fee.
  • Participants who are unable to pay the rental fee can opt to “work it off” by obtaining three service hours per semester on campus. This will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Contact the Office for Sustainability at sustain@uark.edu for more information.

Bicycle library frequently asked questions