Why the Amazing “E-Link” Electric Bicycles Aren’t Around Campus Anymore

(Pictures courtesy of Rafael Garcia)

Rafael Garcia | Contributing Writer

It was a Friday like any other on campus, but by midday, something was different. One by one, bike stations emptied out. Students were left in confusion wondering why the usually busy stations were suddenly empty.  The popular LINK Dayton Bike Share program unexpectedly suspended their operations on Friday, Sept. 30 due to rising costs and operational challenges. 

Founded to enhance urban mobility, promote sustainable transportation, and provide “last mile” transportation throughout the urban core, the program provided accessible biking options for students and Dayton residents. However, factors like increased insurance costs and overall operational expenses have led to the difficult decision to halt services. As this change approached, many students are left reflecting on the impact of losing these electric bicycles on campus life. Students like senior Sofia Lebron and junior Gabriel Oti were far from pleased.

Sofia, confused after she went to a station and found no bicycles available, shared, “I used the LINK bikes almost every day to get to my house and run errands. They made getting around campus so easy, why would they take them away?”. Even though Sofia’s house is on campus, she felt that LINK bicycles made her day easier and quicker.

Gabriel expressed disappointment, stating, “Without the LINK bikes, I’ll have to walk everywhere, which is frustrating because it was such a quick way to get to the library, girlfriend’s house, and Fitz Hall where I work at and I live all the way down on Chambers Street.”

The absence of LINK bikes has left many students missing a vital part of their daily routines. While LINK’s operations have been paused, Bike Miami Valley is open to exploring new partnerships to potentially continue the service in the future. They are a non-profit organization that has been taking a lead on advancing cycling culture. In addition to managing the LINK Dayton Bike Share program, Bike Miami Valley works with local governments, businesses, and residents to promote cycling as a sustainable and efficient mode of transportation.

In the meantime, alternatives like electric scooters, the Flyer shuttle bus, and ride-share services such as Uber and Lyft are still available for getting around Dayton.

You can find more details on LINK’s or Bike Miami Valley’s website at https://www.bikemiamivalley.org/about-us/  &  https://www.linkdayton.org/