Front Page  news  metro

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Locks Included in Bike Rental Plan


Journal Staff Report
       They will have locks after all.
    Officials in charge of Albuquerque's new bicycle-rental program say people who rent the bikes will get locks, making it easier to ward off thieves.
    A manager at Clear Channel Outdoor had said last week that the company didn't plan to provide locks with the bikes. But she now says she was mistaken.
    Jay Hart, Albuquerque's director of parks and recreation, said the city's initial request for proposals called for the locks, and Clear Channel Outdoor, in its response, had agreed to provide them.
    The bikes will have several safety features, he said, including the "spiral-like cable locks," reflectors, bells and tires that run even when flat.
    Mayor Martin Chávez announced the project last week, estimating it would make 420 to 600 bikes available for rent throughout the city next year. The bikes would be stationed at about 25 kiosks.
    Customers are expected to have the option of buying annual memberships for access to the bikes, or they might be able to pay by the week or hour.
    Having locks with the bikes will make it easier for people to keep them safe if they want to go get groceries or head into the office.