TTI Bikes!

TTI is kicking off a bike-sharing program on the Texas A&M University campus. The effort is designed to demonstrate and promote the benefits of alternative transportation modes — and hopefully inspire others to get on board.

Participants in the program are required to complete a bicycle safety training course, wear helmets and obey all traffic control devices and regulations. The program includes one bicycle at each of the two TTI buildings on the main campus. Participants can check out a bicycle and then return it within 24 hours.

Employees can use the bicycles for interoffice transport and courier service on campus, rather than using an agency or personal vehicle. Bikers benefit from exercise, an environmentally friendly alternative to driving, and the ability to park closer to buildings (something always welcome on a college campus).

Bike-sharing programs are catching on in many U.S. cities, including Washington, D.C., San Antonio, Austin — and now College Station — Texas.

“As TTI researchers, we often advise transportation leaders in other cities about the benefits of bicycling for short trips,” says Shawn Turner, head of TTI’s Mobility Analysis Division. “The TTI Bikes! Program is a great opportunity to ‘practice what we preach’ in Aggieland.”