Does your community want to encourage residents to be more physically active? Creating more options for walking, biking, and playing is a goal of many communities. One way American cities are addressing this issue is through bike share programs.

A bike share program is a large fleet of bicycles designed for low-cost, short-term use and made available at closely spaced rental stations. It is particularly beneficial in cities, where it helps the environment by replacing car trips, helps reduce road congestion and parking problems, relieves pressure on other public transit systems, and provides residents a healthy and fun alternative for getting around town.

In addition to the availability of bikes, residents also need bike paths to travel safely. Complete Streets is an initiative that supports street design changes to improve walk-ability and bike-ability.

Bike sharing is a cost-effective way to increase bicycling, and when combined with infrastructure improvements, it is a safe and easy way for residents to be physically active every day.

Want to know more?

Complete Streets: Improve Safety for Everyone

CDC Tips on Biking Well: http://www.cdc.gov/24-7/prevention/cycling/creative_tips.html