The city of Austin and area bike shops will team up on alternate Thursdays through December to help and encourage bicycle commuters. Press release from the city after the jump:
City of Austin Bicycle Program teams with local businesses and celebrity to help Austinites commute on two wheels
Austin, TX – The City of Austin Public Works Department and Bicycle Sport Shop will be fixing flats, checking brakes and lubing chains this Thursday morning in an effort to reward those who commute by bicycle, and to encourage others to do the same.
The City of Austin’s Bicycle Program enlisted several local bicycle shops to help host “Commute Stations” on the first and third Thursday of each month from October through December, with the first station to kick it off this Thursday, October 1. Other participating bicycle shops are Mellow Johnny’s and REI, and will rotate with Bicycle Sport Shop to host the stations.
The commute safety check stations will be set up on the north side of the Pfluger Bicycle and Pedestrian Bridge, at the top of the helix, from 7:00 am to 9:00 am on the designated Thursdays. The station hosts and partners will offer information on commuting, urban trails etiquette, safety checks for bicycles, and a little coffee and breakfast while waiting and chatting. The Austin Police Department will also be on hand to deliver anti-bicycle theft information and assistance.
Commuting by bicycle is a growing trend in Austin and even cycling celebrity Lance Armstrong is weighing in on the effort. Mr. Armstrong recently starred in a public service announcement for the City of Austin Bicycle Program, encouraging more Austinites to commute by bike.
The most current US Census data shows that approximately 6,000 Austinites consistently use a bike to get to work.
This article appears in September 25 • 2009.