Buffalo Rising Online

Jun 11th 2007, 10:49am By Courtney Bajdas

Buffalo Blue Bicycle has officially launched their 2007 season (see part 1). Bigger, better, and expanded, this year's lending program is the best yet. Even better... it's still growing. With 8 hubs currently in use and just as many coming this summer Buffalo Blue Bike is soaring!

This 100% volunteer organization runs multiple programs locally. You may have seen the hubs (blue bicycle racks) with blue bicycles around the city; these are the basis of the lending program (see website for exact locations). Or perhaps your child participates in the after school program, Recycle a Bicycle. Students spend their afternoons learning about bicycle safety and mechanics while literally building their own bicycle that they ride home at the end of the program.

Finally, bicycle building and repair workshops are held every Thursday evening and Sunday afternoon. The public is welcome to come anytime to work on their own bikes or help repair and build bicycles for the Blue Bike lending program.

So what, exactly, is the Buffalo Blue Bike lending program? Here's how it works: Buffalo Blue Bike members log into the Buffalo Blue Bike website, select a hub, then select a bicycle, receive the code to that bicycle's lock, arrive at the hub, retrieve the blue bike and use it for up to two days before returning it to any hub, then log on to the website to check the bike back in. This simple process allows everyone a green, active, and easy source of transportation; whether it's commuting to and from work or school, checking out the stellar summer events in the city (sans the hassle of parking), or simply saving on gas.

Bicycle lending programs are popular around the world (Paris, the Netherlands) and despite Buffalo Blue Bicycle being fairly new (this is the 2nd year of the lending program and 7th year of Recycle a Bicycle) founder Justin Booth maintains his enthusiasm and optimism. His goal's are high; in fact he shoots to match Toronto: "Based on Toronto's bike share program, they had up to 700 members and at any given time 100 bikes checked out." Buffalo Blue Bicycle presently has 85 members but with the inception of 5 new hubs at the University of Buffalo July 1st that number is sure to multiply.

A season's membership is free with a $25 donation or with 6 hours of volunteer time. That can be volunteering at the workshops to repair Blue Bikes, distributing or designing promotional material, maintaining the website, fundraising, moving/driving bikes from one hub to another or even clerical duties down at the office. Complete an application online or show up to the bi-weekly workshops Thursdays at 7:30pm or Sundays 1-3pm; Old Precinct 17 at 98 Colvin Avenue. Also, anyone who registers the week of Buffalo Old Home Week (July 1st-8th) will receive a free membership. Truly an opportunity not to pass up. Besides the extensive lending program, members are also entitled to a 5% discount at Rick's Cycle Shop and Campus WheelWorks.

With summer upon us it is a perfect time to get involved. And with the very low cost of, free, there is no reason not to become a member! Come, see the city at your own pace, save money on gas, and be active!

A special thanks to Buffalo Blue Bicycle founder, Justin Booth.