A local bicycle shop is pedaling its inventory with a different approach, and to match the up-and-go attitude of many city residents and morning commuters, its machines are just as expendable as an empty cup of coffee.
LeRoy Williams said he launched the bicycle rental company MyBike in Boston in 2005 after he envisioned an escape from the hassle of the congested morning commute. Since it opened, MyBike has served more than 500 customers in the Boston area, Williams said.
MyBike leases bicycles on a monthly or annual basis, with a monthly rental costing about $40, he said. Rentals are made through the company’s website, while bicycles are also available for sale starting at $100 for a basic model and maintenance package. In addition to free delivery and maintenance, the bikes also come with complimentary cycling instructions for new users.
“When the bike is delivered, I explain how the bike works,” Williams said. “How to get used to it, what should be done for maintenance, how they should ride the bike in the street, how to turn and not to turn, and how to ride with traffic.”
Williams said the company usually draws comparisons to ZipCar, a car-rental business that has recently expanded in Boston. He expects the company will continue to expand because of the recent spike in the popularity of energy-efficient travel.
Many local businesses pay to advertise their products and services on MyBike’s signature white bicycles, he said, adding companies hoping to expand their appeal among environmentally conscious citizens benefit most from this option.
Because of the dangers of riding in city traffic, Williams said safety is the most important part of choosing a bike.
Customers say the company offers a safe and reliable alternative to inefficient public transportation and the cost of owning a car.
“The service is amazing,” said College of Arts and Sciences Junior Magen Lorenzi. “I couldn’t get used to the gears, so they sent someone to come teach me how to use them. They are very safe and well-made.”
Others said they questioned the safety of the bikes. Mike Wiffell, sales manager for Back Bay Bicycles, said customers often bring in damaged MyBike bicycles.
“I think those bikes are very unsafe,” Wiffell said. “They’re just a temporary sort of thing. We see so many of those things come in here, and there is always something wrong with them.”
Wiffell said regular riders should buy their own bike and not rely on rentals.
In April, Mayor Thomas Menino issued a plan for the city to drastically cut down on greenhouse gas emissions to combat global warming. Menino’s plan requires city vehicle fuel consumption must drop by 5 percent by 2012.
The city supports any efforts people make to reduce their personal fuel consumption, including an increased reliance on bicycles for transportation, said Jim Hunt, the city’s chief of environment and energy services.
“The city has ambitious environmental goals,” Hunt said. “We recognize that the city cannot do this alone — it takes individual action, and we are very supportive of new ideas and new businesses that can help grow a more sustainable Boston.”
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