Bike share offers campus commute alternative at FSU

LimeBike gives riders the opportunity to download an app, use a bike and leave it outside their dorms or classrooms.

The lineup of bright green bikes caught the attention and curiosity of students Tuesday at Fayetteville State.

"It's great," said Bali Reavis. "I find a ride wherever I'm at."

She appreciated the app's built-in return.

"I don't want to have to come all the way back and return it."

Students got their questions answered during the LimeBike launch event on campus. Representatives of LimeBike gave out T-shirts and bike helmets while they explained how the program could help a campus strapped for parking.

Then, with the snip of scissors, kick stands went up and students rode off.

Christopher Barrow was the first official FSU LimeBike rider.

"I'd probably only use it if it's far off campus or I just don't feel like walking," he said. "Of course, it's parked right here ..."

Students, faculty and staff can download the LimeBike app and connect a credit card. Rentals start at just a dollar for 30 minutes. Students pay half that.

Riders use their phone to scan a bar code and unlock a bike. When they are finishes, they lock the wheel to trigger the timer on the app to stop.

"If we could get people to car pool here on the campus, and once they're here, they've got places to move, they've got ways to move around, that's a big benefit for us," said Jon Parson.

LimeBikes are already deployed in Durham, Charlotte and Greensboro. The City of Fayetteville is thinking about making them available to residents around town, too.