Monash University > News and Events > Monash Memo

Sharing the journey

25 March 2009

Upgrade / install Flash player for optimum video viewing or refer to the alternative versions below. Bike share video Alternative versions: Windows media (wmv 4.8 mb) Quicktime Video (mpeg4 4.7 mb) Text version

A new bike-share scheme using recycled bicycles has been launched for Halls of Residence students at the Clayton campus.

The scheme, which has been developed to encourage use of sustainable transport options, allows students living in accommodation in the north-east corner of the campus to ride to classes or activities.

More than 70 "hack" bikes have been assembled by industrial design students from recycled parts and made available for the scheme.

The bikes have been fitted with a locking system similar to those used on shopping trolleys. Bike parking hoops at the campus have been modified to allow bikes to be parked securely without the use of chains or D-locks.

Students involved in the scheme received a free helmet, lock key, lights and parking map to get them started.

The Office of Environmental Sustainability in partnership with Monash Halls of Residence and the Department of Design developed the pilot bike-share scheme.

If the scheme is successful, a prototype bicycle designed last year by design students called the Uni-cycle will go into mass production and replace the hack bikes.

The Uni-cycle is built from recycled plastic and has been designed with innovative features including a gas lift seat, photosensitive lights and a drive shaft instead of the traditional oily chain.

For more information on sustainability initiatives at Monash visit the Facilities and Services website.