The Luther College Bike Share program provides an opportunity for students and employees for on-demand transportation to meet many needs from mid-March through October (weather dependent).  Whether you want to ride downtown to go shopping, run errands, grab a bite to eat, explore parts of the Trout Run Trail, or simply get outdoors and be active, use of the bikes is free and helps Luther meet our sustainability goals by reducing vehicle usage.

How do I check out a bike?

For Fall 2020, bikes are available as a 4-hour checkout from the Circulation Desk in Preus Library. They must be returned by the library closing time on the due day. Bikes cannot be renewed or checked out again the same day they are returned.

To encourage safe bike-riding techniques, when a bike is checked out a helmet will also be checked out. If it is your first time checking out a bike, you must sign a liability waiver that will be kept on file. You will then be given a key for the bike lock, and a helmet.  The helmet and bike lock/cable must be used at all times, and bikes must be securely locked to a rack or appropriate structure when not in use. Bikes are located at the bike rack on the wall of the library closest to Brandt and Jenson-Noble.

The regular operational hours for the library may be found online.

When you are finished riding the bike, simply return it to the spot on the bike rack matching the number on the bike, securely lock it to the rack, and return the key and helmet to the circulation desk. Note fines accrue for late returns and a replacement charge will be levied if a bike is lost, not secured and stolen, or if damage occurs while in your use.

What kinds of bikes are available to check out?

There are currently three single-speed, ten 3-speed, and three 7-speed bikes. In general, all options allow students and employees to access downtown, Walmart, and other flat areas of town and the Trout Run Trail easily.  If interested in biking the full Trout Run Trail or one of the many mountain biking trails in Decorah check out the rentals from Decorah Bicycles.

How do you adjust the seat height and fill the tires?

All Luther College bike share bikes have adjustable seats to accommodate users of all heights.  Some may be adjusted by opening the lever on the seat post, raising or lowering, and closing the lever.  Others require the use of the fix-it station, next to the bike share bike racks, to loosen the bolt before raising or lowering the seat, and re-tightening the bolt.

The fix-it station includes a manual air pump for filling up tires.  All of our bike share bikes have Schrader valves, like those on cars. There is not a PSI gauge on the air pump, so if there is a lot of give in the tire simply inflate it until you can barely squeeze the tire with your hand. Need some help?  Check out this video on how to pump up a tire.

Brought your own bike to campus? The fix-it station may be used for personal bikes as well!  There is also a fix-it station located at Decorah Bicycles (next to the Whippy Dip) if you need a quick repair while out biking.

How much does it cost?

Checkouts are free, however, there are charges associated with late returns and damaged/lost bikes.  If a bike is not returned on time the user will be charged a late fee of $1/hour up to a maximum of $10/day for three days. On the third day, the user will also be charged for the replacement cost of the bike until the bike is returned. Replacement fees are $200 for single-speed bikes and $600 for multi-speed bikes. Helmets must be returned with the bike. If a helmet is not returned, the user will be notified for three days. On the third late day, the user will be charged for the cost of the helmet until the helmet is returned. The replacement fee is $25.