Princeton’s engineering department has applied for a grant that could expand Princeton University’s bicycle rental program. The grant was submitted to the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission under a program that funds projects geared toward reducing emissions.

The funding would enable local residents and visitors to rent more bicycles for transportation around town. Up to five rental sites in town and two more on the campus could be created as part of the program, said Deanna Stockton, Princeton’s assistant municipal engineer.

The University launched its bike rental program last November, when the new Dinky train station opened. It was designed as a pilot program, with a one-year contract.

Kristin Appelget, with the University’s Department of Community Affairs, told Princeton Council members Monday night that the program’s success is not being measured by the recent winter, “one of our coldest we will ever remember.”

The town’s contribution to start the program would be $196,000, which the grant would reimburse. It would cost between $50,000 and $75,000 annually to run the program, which would be assessed after a year to see if it is working.

The current racks at the Dinky station house 10 Zagster rental bikes. There is space for up to 90 additional bikes. The University has agreed to provide funding and operating expenses for the program on sites owned by the school. Zagster would furnish the bikes, maintenance, and rider support.

The town should be notified as to whether the grant will be administered by August. The program would then be launched in September 2016.