RECYCLES bikes outside of the Regenstein library. (Sam Bowman)

The University of Chicago’s Office of Sustainability opened a pilot bike sharing program on campus for University affiliates at the end of the summer. The twenty bikes can be checked out for free from Ratner Athletics Center, the Regenstein library, the School of Social Service Administration and the NSIT/TTI-C building at 6045 S. Kenwood Ave. The bikes are used and are mostly medium to small mountain bikes from the nonprofit Blackstone Bikes.

During the pilot program restrictions on usage are fairly strict. Cycles can be checked out only from 8:30am to 5pm on weekdays, and must be returned to their starting locations, though this may change once the pilot ends in the spring.

University ID holders are eligible to register for the program online at universitybikeshare.com.