Beginning next fall, undergraduates will have a new way to get around campus: Big Red Bikes will offer a fleet of bikes that will be available to every undergraduate student at no additional cost through the library system.

Big Red Bikes will be the one of the first university bike share programs of its kind, says Noah Zallen '10, president of the student organization.

Funding was approved Nov. 2 for the program, said Mollie Futterman '10, a member of Big Red Bikes.

"The funding comes from the Undergraduate Student Activity fee that all Cornell undergraduates pay in addition to tuition," said Futterman. "Big Red Bikes was allocated $1 of the $214 per student fee, amounting to an annual budget of $13,650." The funding was approved by President David Skorton and the Cornell Board of Trustees.

There will be 20 bikes -- Electra Ladies Townie Original 3i Bicycles -- the first year and 40 in the second year.

"The bikes have a step-through frame, which is ideal to accommodate both men and women of varying heights," said Futterman.

Big Red Bikes will operate through Uris, Mann, Carpenter and the Vet School libraries. Students can check out a bike as late the libraries stay open (some as late as 2 a.m.) and for as long as 24 hours at the circulation desk and return it to any of the four library stations.