The Coca-Cola Foundation has awarded a $50,000 gift for a bike share program that will be operated by the University of Iowa and the City of Iowa City.

This gift to University of Iowa Foundation will be used to launch a bike share program that will provide bicycles for easy, short-term rental at locations around Iowa City and the University of Iowa campus. The project’s first phase is expected to begin in spring 2016.

The goal of the bike share program is to encourage a sustainable, car-free form of transportation that enhances public health, active lifestyles and Iowa City’s livability.  

“This generous gift from Coca-Cola will help ensure the success of the bike share program’s first phase,” said Liz Christiansen, director of the University of Iowa Office of Sustainability. “We appreciate their support very much.”

While University of Iowa students, faculty, staff and Iowa City residents will be the primary users of the bike share program, Iowa City and the UI campus visitors will also be able to use the rental service.

Beyond the Coca-Cola Foundation gift, additional funding for the bike share program is coming from several sources. Earlier this year, the University of Iowa and Iowa City were awarded a $135,000 grant from the Iowa Department of Transportation’s Iowa Clean Air Attainment Program. Commitments for local matches include $13,700 from the City of Iowa City and $20,000 from University of Iowa Parking and Transportation. The UI Student Government and the UI Staff Council will each contribute $4,000 to the project.

The Coca-Cola Foundation is the global philanthropic arm of The Coca-Cola Company. Since its inception in 1984, the Foundation has awarded more than $750 million in grants to support sustainable community initiatives around the world. For more information about The Coca-Cola Foundation, please visit www.coca-colacompany.com/our-company/the-coca-cola-foundation.

The League of American Bicyclists recognizes the UI as a silver Bicycle Friendly University and the City of Iowa City as a silver Bicycle Friendly Community.

Contact: 

Liz Christiansen, UI Office of Sustainability, 319-335-5516