My twin, Jeff, just started a new job in Iowa City. It’s a college town (go Hawks!) with a nucleus of pragmatic, environmentally conscious people.
Not surprisingly, it has a robust, volunteer-run, nonprofit bicycle library that provides utilitarian, 2-wheeled transportation to everyday folks seeking to burn fewer fossil fuels and more calories.
Upon hearing about the library, I was immediately curious.
The project depends on donations of bicycles and cash. Bikes are available for checkout on Saturdays and can be kept up to six months. Those borrowing bikes must leave a deposit that ranges from $5 to $150 (most bikes are $100). Repairs are performed and donations are accepted on weekday evenings.
If you return the bike within six months, the library returns your deposit minus a small fee. If you decide to keep the bike, the library keeps your deposit and uses the money to purchase parts and equipment to keep the project operating. During the 6-month checkout period, labor is free on adjustments and minor repairs.
Jeff got a bike this week and plans to live without a car. Good luck brother!
watch video about the Iowa City Bike Library.
