New bike rental program benefits international students at Texas State

By Paige Wilkerson
University News Service
August 24, 2011

The Texas State University-San Marcos Cavers’ Bike Rental Program, sponsored by the Bike Cave, allows international students to rent a bicycle for a one-time membership fee of $25 for the entire semester.

The Bike Cave began in 2007 as a collaboration between Texas State Auxiliary Services, the Environmental Conservation Organization, the Environmental Service Committee (ESC) and members of the community.

Although the Cave has changed locations on campus, it still provide low-cost repairs, tools and training opportunities for those who want to learn how to preserve and restore their bicycles.

“We wanted to make this available first to international students, who are sometimes dependent upon alternative transportation, and potentially expand the program to other students in the future,” said Loreen Brown, coordinator of marketing and promotions for auxiliary services.

The bikes available for rent are donated by the San Marcos and Texas State communities. The Bike Cave staff and volunteers then repair and restore them so they can be ridden again.

The membership fee includes a bike fitting, training on local routes, rules and laws and assistance with maintenance or repairs. Each bicycle rented comes with a bike lock.

This program is now available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

International students interested in renting a bike may apply through the online application. For more information about the Cavers’ Bike Rental program, contact thebikecave@yahoo.com.