Cars are expensive to own, gas is expensive and San Diego has beautiful weather. These are three reasons why there are so many bike riders on and around San Diego State.

“The Associated Students is excited to offer the first-ever bike rental program to SDSU’s students with ten new beach cruiser bikes. If this year’s test proves successful, the program will be expanded in the future,” Aztec Recreation Center Director Eric Huth said.

The “Aztec Bike” rental program is available for faculty and staff. Those with a valid RedID and an ARC membership can rent an Aztec themed cruiser for $30 a month. Those without an ARC membership can pay $35 a month.The rental program operates on a first-come first-serve basis.

According to SDSU’s Student Life and Leadership commuter resources, more than 85 percent of today’s college students live off campus. This means, manystudents must provide their own transportation.

Betina Brantely, a liberal studies junior, lives off campus and would consider renting a bike from the ARC if the price was lower.

According to Brantely, $30 a month is a little pricey. If Ioneplans on using it for at least three months, it would make more sense to buy one.

Despite the cost, one of the goals for the program is to reduce parking congestion and decrease air pollution by encouraging bicycling rather than driving. A.S. plans for this program to further assist the ARC in gaining Leader- ship in Energy and Environmental Design certification. LEED is a green building rating system that provides standards for an environmentally sustainable campus.