Topeka offers state's first public bike-sharing program

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The state's first public bike-sharing program has begun rolling in Topeka.

The Topeka Metro Bikes program kicked off Wednesday afternoon with a brief ceremony on the Washburn University campus. It offers 100 bicycles for anyone to use for short-term recreation or commuting in the state's capital city.

The bikes, equipped with a basket, GPS and lock, can be found at 10 stations across Topeka. Members sign up for $25, which pays for two hours of use a day. Visitors may use bikes for $2.50 an hour. Members receive a personal identification number to unlock the bikes and they can leave them at any station in the city when they are done with them, The Topeka Capital-Journal reported (http://bit.ly/1azK6oU ).

Washburn University President Jerry Farley joined in the ceremony before jumping on a bicycle for a ride Wednesday.

"We don't have a culture of bicycles and bicycle riding," Farley said of the university. "This, I think, will start that."

The program is offered by the Topeka Metro mass transit service and mirrors similar programs that are growing in popularity across the country.

Washburn students, faculty and staff can join for a discounted annual rate of $20 and Farley said he expected the program to be popular on campus.

The program's benefits include reduced parking problems, fewer vehicle emissions and increased exercise for students and employees, he said.

"We're all pumped about this," said Deputy Mayor Karen Hiller, the chairwoman of the city's bikeways committee.

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Information from: The Topeka (Kan.) Capital-Journal, http://www.cjonline.com

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