CBU Launches Bike Share Program

Today, Friday, September 6, 2019, Cape Breton University launched a new Bike Share initiative. The program is the first of its kind in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality and will allow members of the CBU community to access bicycles free of charge for use in the area.

“Since the launch of CBU’s Strategic Plan in 2018, we have been working diligently to invest in our students in order to enrich the living and learning experience here on Cape Breton Island,” says David C. Dingwall, President and Vice-Chancellor. “A program of this nature will do just that by ensuring that students, as well as faculty and staff, have free access to active-transportation providing them an even greater connection to our community.”

The bike fleet is made up of 25 branded bikes and helmets, and was made possible in part by Provincial funding of $30,000, as well as contributions by Velo Cape Breton and the Cape Breton Regional Municipality.

“These bikes will make it easier for CBU students to move around our community, and will help them better access local amenities like the mall, grocery stores and restaurants,” said Derek Mombourquette, Minister of Energy and Mines. “This investment is an example of the province’s commitment to clean, accessible active transportation infrastructure, and I am excited to see the benefits this program will bring to students, business owners and, of course, the environment.”

The program will be open to the CBU community on September 14 when they’ll be able to download and book bikes through an app called Koloni.me.

“Active transportation, recreational opportunities and community connection are three important cogs in Cape Breton University’s plans to provide a healthy environment,” says John Hudec, Project Lead and Assistant Professor, Community Studies and Experiential Studies in Community and Sport.  “The CBU Bike Share is a great step in supporting wellness and health in Cape Breton. I believe this initiative will lead to the broader development of a more vibrant and healthy community. I hope that others will follow the orange bikes to CBU and that our students, in turn, will develop greater involvement in our community.”