In October 2021, Albertus Magnus signed on to the Laudato Si’ Action Platform, an international effort for Catholic institutions to build cultures of sustainability and environmental justice. Throughout this year, our Laudato Si’ Action Plan group will be engaging in conversations on campus to find ways in which we might, in the words of Pope Francis, “recover a serene harmony with creation, reflecting on our lifestyle and our ideals” (Laudato Si’ 225).
As part of this effort, we are launching the Falcon Bike Share! Cycling reduces energy use and pollution, but it also helps us connect with our surroundings and our neighbors. Riding a bike gives you more options for exploring New Haven, whether for a leisurely ride at a park, a visit to a cafe or restaurant, or a trek to a job or internship.
How will it work?
Starting on Monday, September 26, students will be able to check out a bike for a few hours or a day after completing a safety course. Bikes will be available for borrowing from the Public Safety Office in the back of Dominican Hall when the College is in session, 7 days a week, from 7am-7pm. Bikes must be returned by 7pm each day.
How can I join?
There are three steps to joining the bike share:
1) Get a refresher on bike safety. You have two options:
- The New Haven Coalition for Active Transportation (NCAT) will host a series of “Smart Cycling 1” classes– some of them on campus–throughout September and October. Upcoming courses include:
-Monday, September 26, 3:30-6:30pm
-Wednesday, September 28, 3:00-6:00pm
-Saturday, October 8, 1:00-4:00pm
-Sunday, October 16, 2:00-5:00pm
Register for classes here.
- If you already have a certification or have taken a bike safety course that includes lessons on how to cycle safely in traffic in the past two years, send verification of your completion of the course to edunar@albertus.edu.
2) Fill out the Falcon Bike Share registration form.
3) Take out a bike and ride. After you hear from us that your registration is complete, you can check out a bike!
What else do I need to know?
As a member of the Falcon Bike Share, you agree to take safety precautions to protect yourself and the bicycles:
- We highly recommend that you wear a helmet and brightly-colored clothing when you ride. You can get a free helmet by taking one of the NCAT classes on campus.
- When you are not using the bike, keep it secure and locked at all times.
- When you have a bike checked out, you are the only person who can use it. Do not share the bike with somebody else.
Here are some other policies you should know:
- To prevent theft, we have installed GPS trackers on each bike. You might receive a notification on your phone that a tracker is nearby. We look at the tracking data only if a safety issue arises or if the bike is stolen.
- If you return a bike after 7pm, lend the bike to somebody else, or cause damage to a bike or lock, your membership in the program will be suspended and you will need to meet with a member of the Bike Share Team before you can borrow again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reserve a bike in advance?
Most of the time, bikes are available on a first-come, first-served basis. We reserve bikes only for these reasons:
- You need to borrow a bike for the Smart Cycling 1 class.
- A student group coordinates with us to reserve bikes for a sanctioned activity.
- A bike needs maintenance.
Where are some good places to ride?
There are lots of nearby places of interest within biking distance:
- We are just a half-mile down Winchester Avenue from the Farmington Canal Bike Trail. You can take the trail downtown, through Newhallville and Hamden, and further north.
- Edgerton Park and East Rock Park offer space for exploring nature, enjoying a picnic, or attending events like community gatherings and outdoor concerts.
- Orange Street (near East Rock Park) has lots of cafes, stores, and restaurants. Science Park (down Winchester Avenue) also has several new cafes and restaurants (Fussy Coffee is a favorite coffee and lunch spot for many Albertus Community members!)
What happens if something goes wrong while I am out riding (eg. the bike is broken or stolen, or I get hurt)?
Call Albertus Public Safety at (203) 507-5204.
I don’t know how to ride a bike! Can you teach me?
We can put you in touch with NCAT instructors who offer free classes for beginners. Email edunar@albertus.edu for more information.
