UH-Downtown Is Offering More Bike Options For Students And Staff
Gail Delaughter | Houston Public Media
The University of Houston-Downtown sits at the spot where Buffalo Bayou meets White Oak Bayou, meaning students who live nearby can use the bayou trails to walk or cycle to campus. To make that trip more convenient, BCycle has opened four new bike sharing stations on UHD’s campus, near the trails.
“It’s not all about recreation,” said Houston District H City Council Member Karla Cisneros, who was at the ribbon cutting for the new stations. “So many people that live in my district really rely on bicycles to get to work, to get to school, to get where they want to be.”
University of Houston-Downtown President Dr. Juan Sanchez Munoz said that many UHD students travel to school from nearby neighborhoods, and that easy transportation options are crucial to their success.
“We are a majority first-generation college population,” said Munoz. “We also have an older population than most traditional residential universities. The convenience and the cost-effectiveness of bicycle ridership is very important.”
Munoz added that the new bike share facility will also help the school meet its environmental goals.
“I think anyone in higher ed will tell you that today’s student population is very cognizant of climate issues,” said Munoz. “Part of the BCycle program is to encourage not just ridership but fewer cars on the road, fewer emissions, a healthier student population. We think this is one step toward that goal.”
The BCycle stations were funded through a federal grant with help from local sources. Riders will be able to use those bike share stations 24-hours a day, seven days a week. Discounted BCycle memberships are available for UHD students and staff.
The new UHD BCycle stations are now at the following locations:
• UHD’s Jesse H. Jones Student Life Center
• Athletic Fields near White Oak Bayou
• Shea Street Building (Marilyn Davies College of Business) / Lot B
• Daly Street Parking Lot