For students tired of walking and wary of the Huskie Bus, there’s a new option for transportation around campus.

With NIU’s “Borrow a Bike” program, students and faculty can rent a bicycle at no cost for up to a week.

“The Borrow a Bike program is designated to give faculty, staff and students an alternative mode of transportation for getting around campus,” said Laura Lundelius, coordinator of parking and traffic.

Students can obtain a bike by presenting their NIU OneCard to Campus Parking Services and completing the proper loan forms.

Bicycles come with a lock and bike helmet. Though there is no fee to rent the bicycle, fees will be charged if any damage is caused to the bike or the equipment included while the bike is under the renter’s possession or if the bicycle is not returned after the seven day rent period has expired.

Types of bikes available for rent vary, though most are one speed bikes, with a few 10-speed bikes as well.

More students are beginning to take advantage of the service, Lundelius said.

“We’ve had quite a few bikes loaned out, and a lot of repeat customers,” she said. “The program is catching on. We get more and more inquiries, and more people looking to borrow a bike.”

Campus Parking Services, located at 121 Normal Road across from the parking garage, is open Monday through Thursday from 7:45 a.m. to 6 p.m. and 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday.

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