Borrow bicycles and equipment at the library for free!

Bicycles are available at the Main Library on Paint Street and the Northside Library on Buckeye Street. What a great way to explore the downtown areas, Yoctangee Park and the Paint Creek Recreational Trail!

You must call 740-702-4145 or visit the library for all bike reservations. Holds cannot be placed online for bikes.  Kiosks are available outside of the libraries for after-hours access with the On Bike Share app.

On Bike Share App for ioS

On Bike Share App for Android

If you need a helmet or a stroller/trailer when you place a reservation for a bike, please let our staff know.

Bikes may be returned to the Main Library, Northside Library, the Ross County YMCA, the Chillicothe Transit System, or the Ross County Health District.

Book-A-Bike is brought to you by a “Creating Healthy Communities” grant from the Ross County Health District.

Guidelines

• Borrowers must have a current, valid library card to use equipment.
• All adult riders must have a Lending Agreement on file.
• Children ages 0 to 11 must have a parent or guardian present to borrow equipment.
• Teens 12 to 18 may borrow equipment without an adult present, but must have a parent or guardian’s signed Consent Form on file.
• Bikes and equipment may be borrowed for a maximum of two hours per day per patron.
• All equipment must be returned at least 30 minutes before closing.
• Bikes and equipment may not be borrowed overnight.
• Same day holds are allowed, but not more than 3 hours in advance.
• There are no fees or fines for Book-A-Bike.
• Bikes and equipment not returned by the agreed upon time will be treated as theft.
• Helmets are required.
• Borrowers must report any damage or malfunctions to staff immediately.
• When left unattended, equipment must be locked and secured.
• Borrowers are responsible for stolen or lost equipment.
• Borrowers must obey traffic laws and bike path rules and courtesies. Do not ride the bike on the city sidewalk!
• Borrowers are encouraged to have fun.

Book-A-Bike Brochure (PDF)

Why Bike?

• Cycling is an easy way to add exercise and activity to your day.
• Cycling builds strength and muscle tone.
• Cycling is a good way to build stamina.
• Cycling gets your heart pumping at a steady rate, improving cardiovascular fitness.
• Cycling eats up calories.
• Cycling involves the whole body (armto-leg, feet-to-hands, body-to-eye), which improves coordination.
• Regular exercise can reduce stress and depression and improve well being and self esteem.
• Riding a bike or pushing a stroller gets you and your family outside!
• Have fun!

Basic Safety

• Ride on the right. On roadways, always ride with traffic. Bicycles may use the entire lane.
• Leave plenty of room when passing parked cars to avoid opening doors.
• Be predictable. Always ride in a straight line. Do not weave from side to side or suddenly move out into traffic.
• Be alert and plan ahead to avoid obstacles.
• Always check over your shoulder before changing your lane position.
• Never weave between parked cars.
• Obey traffic signs and signals.
• Use hand signals. It can be as simple as pointing in the direction you plan to go.
• Yield to pedestrians.
• On the bike path, alert others of your approach by ringing a bell or horn or by announcing, “Passing on your left.”
• Riding on sidewalks jeopardizes walkers; DO NOT ride on the city sidewalks.

Other Resources:

League of American Bicyclists - A membership organization that promotes cycling for fun, fitness and transportation through advocacy and education.

Smart Cycling Videos - These Smart Cycling videos will help you understand how to ride safely, improve comfort, find the right bike and gear, and your rights as a bicyclist.