Summer bike rental program available to students, faculty, staff

University Recreation and Sport Facilities has announced a summer session bicycle rental program for UW-Eau Claire students, faculty and staff. Through Aug. 2, UW-Eau Claire's Environmental Adventure Center will rent bicycles in the Water Street parking lot at the corner of First Avenue and Water Street from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. The $5 rental fee includes a bike, lock and helmet. Bikes may be returned to the corner of First Avenue and Water Street by 2 p.m. or to the Environmental Adventure Center in Hilltop Center on upper campus by 6 p.m.

"This program offers the opportunity for students, faculty and staff to both get some exercise and explore the community during the week, whether it's an employee on a lunch break or a student with time before or after class," said Vicki Funne Reed, director of University Recreation and Sport Facilities. "Area restaurants, the Downtown Farmers Market, Carson Park and the Chippewa River Trail are a just few of the many possible destinations easily reachable by bike."

Students, faculty and staff also may bring their own bikes to the rental site for free safety inspections. Bicycle safety information from the "Share & Be Aware" program of the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation also will be available.

More information is available by calling the Environmental Adventure Center at 715-836-3616.