SoBi offers a new link between McMaster and the greater Hamilton community
A SoBi bike-sharing hub near the front of the McMaster University Student Centre — one of six locations on campus. 'It's an affordable service, environmentally friendly and on-demand whenever you need it,' says Shahid Naeem, energy management and sustainability engineer at McMaster. SoBi Hamilton will officially launch on Friday, March 20.
It’s bright and early at McKay Hall, and you need to be at the Engineering Technology Building in five minutes flat.
Fear not, McMaster. SoBi Hamilton has you covered.
On March 20, campus leaders will unveil McMaster’s new fleet of SoBis (short for Social Bicycles) during a 1 p.m. outdoor ceremony at the southeast corner of the McMaster University Student Centre, near the Sterling Street entrance.
SoBi Hamilton is the non-profit organization tasked with managing the city’s new bike-sharing system. Friday will mark the launch of 750 two-wheelers located in all corners of the city, including 60 stationed on campus.
“This gives us a whole new option for getting around,” says Shahid Naeem, energy management and sustainability engineer at McMaster. “It’s an affordable service, environmentally friendly and on-demand whenever you need it.”
For a $70 annual fee — a discounted rate for members of the campus community — McMaster users can enjoy one hour of use each day on the bicycles. Overage fees are charged at a rate of $5 per hour, prorated by the minute.
Once registered for the service, users have the option to reserve a bicycle using a mobile app or website before picking up a SoBi at one of six hubs on campus and dozens of others throughout the city.
More than 25 users from McMaster have already registered, says Naeem.
The distinct blue bicycles are equipped with a large basket at the front, and an electronic PIN keypad at the rear that allows users to sign-out a bicycle after booking online or simply walking up to a bike.
Riders can press the “HOLD” button on the keypad to hop on and off at different hubs while maintaining their reservation.
Three of McMaster’s six hubs were funded through a $25,000 one-time investment from the University, while the remainder were donated by the City of Hamilton.
Terry Sullivan, director of Security & Parking Services, says that the new service is another step forward in the University’s ongoing sustainability efforts.
“This initiative fits perfectly with our mandate of promoting environmentally-responsible transportation for the McMaster community,” says Sullivan.
“Plus, the bikes come both ways. They go on and off campus. SoBi offers a whole new way for McMaster students to engage with the greater Hamilton community and explore other parts of the city.”
McMaster president Patrick Deane will be on hand for Friday’s launch event, along with Sullivan, Naeem and Mohamed Attalla, associate vice-president and chief facilities officer with Facility Services. Hamilton Ward 3 councillor Matthew Green will also be in attendance.
Students will have a chance to win a free SoBi Hamilton bike-share membership during the campus ceremony.
Hoping to stretch your legs before or after the big reveal? The SoBi Hamilton initiative will be formally launched in Gore Park on Friday, March 20 at 11:30 a.m., followed by a group ride from the downtown core to McMaster.
The 1 p.m. event on campus will conclude with a group ride along the waterfront, through downtown and back to campus. To register for the free afternoon ride email Chelsea Cox at chelsea@sobihamilton.ca.
The McMaster SoBi locations are as follows:
- Southwest of A.N. Bourns Science Building
- East of Mary E. Keyes Residence
- Northwest corner of Health Sciences Centre
- East of McKay Hall on Stearn Drive
- Southeast of McMaster University Student Centre
- Southeast of Engineering Technology Building
