Bikes Belong, a national bicycling advocacy organization, has provided 1,000 bicycles for a bicycle sharing program in Denver this week for the Democratic National Convention.
Another 1,000 bikes will be provided in Minneapolis-Saint Paul early next month when the “Freewheelin” program is moved there for the Republican National Convention.
The simple, crusier-style bikes are being provided for free at seven stations around Denver this week. Bikes Belong hopes to get some of the 1,400 convention delegates, volunteers, officials, staff members and even the presidential candidates themselves on bikes.
Bikes Belong was calling the program a success after its initial day on Monday. Computers on the bikes recorded 2,937 miles traveled in 1,429 rides. Program partner Humana health insurance company calculated the calories burned at 92,000, and a carbon-footprint reduction of more than a metric ton.
Photo courtesy Barry Staver
Participants in the program use a credit card number to secure the bikes while they use them. The bikes are available to them from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Along with the bikes, participants are provided with a helmet. Locks are available on request. Each bike has a bag or basket for carrying items and a computer to record mileage.
