EAST LANSING, Mich. – The City of East Lansing is pedaling toward a cleaner environment with the launch of a new Employee Bike Sharing Program.

With the help of Share-A-Bike, a local bike advocacy organization, the City has obtained eight donated bikes of varying sizes that City of East Lansing employees can use to travel to and from meetings, lunches and for other business needs. The program has been designed to encourage healthy activity among employees, while also improving air quality in the community through the reduction of carbon emissions.

This pilot program stems from the work of the East Lansing Green Task Force, which promotes and encourages a more sustainable community. Only a handful of similar programs exist in the country today, in larger cities such as Denver, Colo.; Austin, Texas; and Tucson, Ariz. East Lansing’s program was modeled, in part, after the programs in Austin, Texas and Edmonton, Canada.

“We are excited to see how this program is received by East Lansing employees,” said Jeff Smith of the East Lansing Green Task Force. “We encourage all of our colleagues to take advantage of the bikes by getting out and active this summer and fall.”  

The program’s bikes are located at five major City of East Lansing facilities, including East Lansing City Hall, the East Lansing Technology Innovation Center, the East Lansing Department of Public Works, the East Lansing Hannah Community Center and the East Lansing Public Library.

Upon signing a waiver form, employees can virtually “check out” a bike by scheduling one via their work e-mail. Bicycle helmets will not be provided, however; they are required and must be worn while riding the bikes in the program.

Listen to East Lansing Green Task Force member Tim Schmitt's interview with Walt Sorg regarding the Employee Bike Sharing Program.