Bike Share North

Sept. 9, 2016

PUTS A NEW SPIN ON CHARLEVOIX

Michelle Rick-Biddick, a Charlevoix spinning instructor and personal trainer, had seen several bike share programs in other cities, and she was impressed by how well they worked.

But it was her own work with WATCH (Water and Air Team Charlevoix), a nonprofit that helps protect the natural resources of Charlevoix County, that inspired her to bring a bike share program home.

WHEEL FUN

“It was something I had been thinking about for a long time after seeing these programs at other places,” Rick-Biddick said. “I actually left WATCH in order to exclusively work on the bike share program with the city of Charlevoix. I love fitness, and I especially love cycling!” Three years ago, she launched the program. “After I got approval from the city to try the bike program,” she said, “I got funding from the community foundation as well as private donors. We started with just a few bikes, and this year we have 20.”

The funds from the donors cover the cost of the program coordinator (Rick-Biddick) and the cost and maintenance of the bikes, which are owned by the city.

READY TO GO

“We have all Sun Revolution bikes — both male and female bikes —plus a few trikes (three-wheeled bicycles),” Rick-Biddick said. “The city owns the bikes and the program, so you do have to sign a waiver to release liability. But ‘renting’ the bikes is completely free — all you need to check one out is a driver’s license or credit card.”

The Sun Revolution bikes were chosen specifically for their stability, safety and classic design. Each bike borrowed comes complete with a helmet, bike lock and water bottle holder. But the bicycles can’t be reserved, so if you have a cycling day planned, its best to show up early.

“They’re first come, first served, on a dayto-day basis,” Rick-Biddick said.

Five bike depots welcome riders and lend the share bikes in Charlevoix: the Charlevoix City Marina in East Park, the Charlevoix City Airport, Irish Boat Shop on Stover Road, the Charlevoix Community Pool, and Charlevoix Inn and Suites on Petoskey Avenue. When a rider picks up a bicycle, he or she also can snag a map that offers suggested routes bicycle routes and things to do in Charlevoix.

CITY AMENITY

The program runs all summer and into autumn, with the bicycles proving to be a perfect way to cruise both the teachers and the changing leaves around Charlevoix.

“We get the bikes out on Memorial Day and keep them out until the weather turns bad,” Rick-Biddick said. “For now, we’ll probably keep our current roster of 20 bikes, as it’s easy for us to work with.”

The bikes have helped chip away at local car traffic and air pollution, and the program so far has been very well regarded “People say that they can’t believe something like this is happening, and for free, right here in Charlevoix,” Rick-Biddick said.

“The pilots coming in on the airplanes especially love it, as do the boating people, since these people often don’t have bikes along with them, so this is such a good resource for them. But we get people from all over the world visiting Charlevoix and taking advantage of the program. It’s just such a great amenity for the city.”

The bikes of the program are available 10am-5pm, weather and season permitting. For questions or more information, visit bikesharenorth.org or call the Charlevoix City Hall at 231-547-3270.