GOVERNORS ISLAND -- Free Bike Fridays, the tremendously popular free program on Governors Island, is returning to the island with double the number of bikes, the Governors Island Preservation and Education Corporation (GIPEC) announced.
On Free Bike Fridays, island visitors can borrow a bike for free, for up to one hour. Free Bike Fridays will run from June 5 to October 9. The program is sponsored by Bike and Roll.
"Governors Island is a fantastic location to ride a bike," said Avi Schick, GIPEC chairman. "We are so pleased that Bike and Roll is sponsoring this very popular program that will provide yet another reason to come visit Governors Island."
Visitors are welcome to bring their own bikes to the island every Friday, Saturday and Sunday between May 30 and October 11. Visitors can also rent bicycles from Bike and Roll once they arrive. On Fridays, adult and children's bikes are free. On Saturdays and Sundays, adult bikes can be rented for $15 for two hours. Bike and Roll will also rent four-person bike surreys, children's bikes, children's bike trailers, wagons and other bike accessories.
Biking has become an incredibly popular activity on Governors Island. Biking was first permitted on the island in 2007. At that time, 2,000 visitors enjoyed a one-mile bike loop. In 2008, the bike loop was expanded, and more than 25,000 visitors rode a bike while visiting. This year, the entire 2.2-mile waterfront promenade will be open to biking for the first time, making five miles of car-free biking available to visitors.
"Bike and Roll is so pleased to sponsor Free Bike Fridays," said Darryll White, one of the company owners. "We look forward to providing more bikes than ever for visitors to use as they enjoy riding throughout the island."
"With ever-increasing interest in launching a bike share program here in New York, Free Bike Fridays are a great way to stoke the demand for free public bicycles," says Paul Steely White, executive director of Transportation Alternatives. "Having helped bring Free Bike Fridays to Governor's Island last summer, we are thrilled that Governors Island is continuing the tradition this year."
