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On January 25, Bikes not Bombs released 24 yellow bikes to the city of Austin for general use. People are encouraged to use them whenever they have to run errands or get somewhere relatively close by instead of using a car. You know there are times when you are working in a downtown area and you may need to go a couple of blocks to an ATM and you feel guilty about driving, but you don't have time to walk. The yellow bikes are there to help you get those daily errands done a little bit faster, and in a way that's better for the environment. You can pick up a bike anywhere in central Austin, use it to get wherever you need to go, and just leave it when you've reached your destination. It's important you leave it in a place where other riders can easily find it. The program is free for anyone to use, however the bikes need volunteers to help repair and distribute them. The group Bikes not Bombs is run mostly by volunteers, and they also run a shop for selling and reparing used bikes. In the past, the group sent bikes to Central America for use by teachers and low-income individuals. Now, like other US cities such as Portland, OR, and Boulder, CO, the group brings bikes to the community. If you would like to read more about these yellow bikes, may I suggest this article from the Austin American Statesman detailing a day in the life of a yellow bike. Have fun and remember the yellow bikes the next time you're in Austin! You can also call Bikes not Bombs in Austin for more info (512-916-3553). |
