<p>Hi--
Can anyone comment on the "bicycle rental" program that Princeton offers its students-- so that kids don't have to schlepp their own bikes to campus?
Have you tried this; are there enough bikes to go around, and so on?</p>
<p>(If this handy service works well, it could be nice for us and others coming to campus via airplane.)</p>
<p>And, any thoughts or experiences with the other Princeton Student Agency services, like bed linens and the like? Sounds like a great service. Would appreciate thoughts of those who have tried these. Thanks!!</p>
<p>The campus is small enough I don’t think you really need to worry about bikes. But some people have them, if you really care.</p>
<p>The U-Bikes program has run out of bikes every year up until this year, when they picked up about 100 more; they should be able to accommodate everyone next year. There’s a request form on the Office of Sustainability’s website. You can probably fill it out early this summer if you want to ensure having a bike for next fall.</p>
<p>The student agencies in general tend to be good quality but extremely overpriced since the university likes to take a big share of the revenue. Depending on how you’re getting to campus (rental car vs. train), there may be better options.</p>
<p>I believe there are two bike shops in town - walking distance from campus - you can check out for comparison purposes. My son brought a bike (we are driving distance from campus), and uses it constantly. Particularly if you are an engineer, it can be helpful as the E-Quad is on one edge of campus. But I agree with Decillion - certainly not essential, and many (most) do without.</p>
<p>I tried to talk my DS into taking a bike when we dropped him off at school this fall for his first year. He insisted that campus was small enough where he didn’t need a bike. Fast forward one week and before classes even started he was calling and asking if I could bring up a bike for him. </p>
<p>He’s in Rocky and has several classes across campus and he was really happy to get the bike. Also 2 of his roommates that he hangs out with a lot had bikes and they were really happy when he got his so they could all ride when they were doing things together.</p>
<p>If you are flying to school, rental is a good option as well as purchasing a used bike once you get to campus. I think it really depends on where your res. college is on whether you really will want/need a bike. Forbes, Rocky and Mathey are all on the edges of campus and quite a distance from many of the classrooms.</p>
<p>I don’t think buying a new/expensive bike is the best idea (although I’ve seen lots of shiny new pricey bikes all over campus). DS has a used bike that we had. He asked for some chain oil because he’s getting rust from all the rain. Most bikes reside outside all year long.</p>
<p>I rented a UBike freshman year, didn’t get one this year. My dorm and the building where most of my classes are are pretty much as distant from each other as possible, but I haven’t had any problems getting around without a bike. A bike is convenient, but far from necessary. UBikes are pretty cheap, though. The other student agencies, not so much…</p>
<p>Also – make sure you have a decent lock. My UBike got stolen last year (I had a fairly weak lock on it). Lucky me, I later found it in another dorm’s bike rack, unlocked.</p>
<p>Thanks, everyone! :)</p>
<p>We don’t live within driving distance, so the “buy used when there” option sounds good. Does anyone know if it’s easy to find a servicable used bike to buy around Princeton?</p>
<p>My neighbor bought a bike here at either Target or Walmart for about $100–the free Saturday buses have a bike rack on the outside.</p>
<p>Thanks, everyone!
Looks like we can easily (do without) or (rent from Pton) or (buy one inexpensively); so we know our options. :)</p>