Since cars typically pollute most heavily during the first mile of use, it makes sense to provide bikes for those users who are simply stepping out for lunch, going to class, or dashing to a meeting within small distances. The program began by using refurbishedbikes that would have ended up in landfills. People check them out using their library cards and are responsible for their safe return. Though initially popular with students, business people did not start participating in the bike program until the city added electric bikes as an option. Now people can ride, even up hills, and not sweat in work clothes.
Parking is a lot easier too.
The city expects to expand the program and begin a system of solar recharging soon.