Bikes for Everyone

I was walking on Pearl Street the other day and I noticed a group of red bicycles lined up next to each other. I have heard of many other cities, specifically in Europe, who have the implemented a public bike system. Little did I know that the city of Boulder has taken on the responsibility of the bicycle sharing system as well. I say responsibility because it is the duty of our citizens to make sure bikes are returned and not stolen. Is our city reliable enough to take on such a task? I certainly hope so.

There are countless benefits that can come from community bicycle programs. The obesity factor in our country makes this concept extremely appealing to many cities. It would even contribute to Colorado's over weight problems, even though this is the only state with obesity at less than 20%. Greenhouse gas emissions need to be drastically reduced, and public bikes are another way to help our country's cause. Getting to your destination can be expensive, especially with gas prices consistently on the rise. An on-street bike rental program could be the transportation answer for those who are strapped for cash. Programs like this one are definitely capable of changing cities and the planet for the better, but what are the potential risks?

That very same day I was walking through the University Hill neighborhood, and I saw a lone red bike cast aside in the bushes. Could this be the unfortunate unavoidable result of a public bike system in Boulder? America's greenest campus could potentially be littered with these red bikes. Granted, worse things have happened, but the city's efforts to better itself could be thwarted by lazy cyclists. There is also the issue of theft. Boulder has spent thousands of dollars bringing these public bikes to our city, and there is a good chance that many of them will be stolen. We must take it upon ourselves to return these shared bikes to their rightful stations, and try not to be tempted into thinking that a rented bike means a free bike. That being said, I think this new system is a great step in making our city, state, and planet a better place for cyclists and everyone else. Until next time, keep those wheels turning.
Nick Wachs