As gas prices continue to skyrocket, more people are looking for alternate methods of transportation. Whether it is by foot, bike or skateboard, anything besides driving seems to be friendlier on the wallet. The City of Auburn has seen and taken note of this need. Bicycle Auburn is a great way to cut fuel cost while also stretching one’s legs out and exercising.

Bicycle Auburn’s focus in on increasing communication between interested citizens and the City of Auburn concerning all aspects of bicycling activities and events. One of Bicycle Auburn’s largest events is Bike Bash.

Bike Bash is held in August of every year. It is designed to inform citizens about bicycle safety and to promote biking as a healthy and fun activity. The event also educates the public on local bike-friendly facilities.

The City of Auburn is a Bicycle Friendly Community. It is currently the only one in Alabama. These communities support bicycling by encouraging the people to bike for transportation, health and pleasure. They also provide safe accommodations for the cyclists and educate the public on the benefits and safety precautions of cycling.

Auburn is taking constantly taking more steps to become an increasingly friendly bicycling community.

Recently they introduced the Bicycle Loaner Program. The Bicycle Loaner Program began in May 2008. It was launched in conjunction with May being National Bike Month.

The program began with four bikes, but now has five. The program utilizes bikes that are reclaimed from the local police department. These bikes are then refurbished by a local bike shop.

The bike loaner program works much like any local library does. To check a bike out, one needs to bring a copy of his or her driver’s license to 365B N. Donahue Dr. Then one will be asked to sign a waiver. The waiver is available at the office and also online. The bike and a helmet are then provided to the person for a two week period. At the end of the two weeks the person can extend the loan, if there is no waiting list. There is no charge.

“The program has been very successful,” said the City of Auburn’s Bicycle Coordinator Brandy Ezelle. “We have gone to the waiting list several times.” People visiting Auburn from other countries have even utilized the program.

For more information on Bicycle Auburn or the bike loaner program visit www.auburnalabama.org/cycle/default.asp or contact Brandy Ezelle at (334) 501–3029.




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