Belmont library now offering free bike checkouts

Adults with a valid card can make use of 1 of 4 bicycles available

BELMONT >> Forget Lyft and Lime bikes; you now can check out free bikes at the Belmont library.

The San Mateo Libraries system launched its new Book-A-Bike pilot program Monday that makes a fleet of four bicycles available for checkout at the Belmont Library on a first-come, first-served basis for anyone 18 years or older.

San Mateo Libraries are now one of just a handful of systems in the country that offers free bike checkouts and has plans to expand the service to all branches should the pilot program prove successful. Library card holders also can check out a helmet, GoPro mount, a basket for cargo, a bike light, bike locks, and first-aid kits — all for free.

The program is the brainchild of staff member David Vargas, who pitched the idea during the libraries’ Pitch-It contest, where library staffers throw new service ideas out there and vote for their favorite.

It’s an effort by the library system to bring more people into local libraries by giving a free alternative to the thousands of people who use private bike-sharing services to commute or travel daily.

“This service further expands upon our robust collection of non-traditional library materials available for checkout and grants access to transformative experiences outside of our library walls,” Vargas said. “It fits really well with our brand tag line that we’re ‘open for exploration.’ Since there’s so much information gathered at our library, adding bicycles would expand on those services. One of the greatest benefits of having a library card is the patron accesses everything for free.”

Without the need to down

load an application on your phone or pay, Vargas said Belmont residents will have the ability to simply show up with their library card, hop on a bike and explore the city.

“You can step right in and within minutes you’re off and riding past some of the daily traffic we see here,” Vargas said. “We also have a Discover and Go program that gives free access or low admission prices for Bay Area attractions and museums, so pairing that with a bike is a great way to open doors for our adult patrons.”