Libraries in Motion: Inspiring Communities to Ride

Join us August 10th, from 10am – 11am for an online discussion on how public libraries can promote bicycling through innovative programs, community partnerships, and engaging events.

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Speakers:

The New York State Department of Transportation’s Statewide Mobility Services (NYSDOT SMS). The NYSDOT SMS Program collaborates with community organizations to launch bike borrow programs. This effort aims to expand alternative modes of transportation, reduce traffic congestion, and improve local air quality.

Learn about steps for launching bike borrow programs*, community benefits, program structure, and more.

Hear from representatives from current bike borrow programs who will share their experiences with this program.

Alex Geller, Director of the Red Hook Public Library

Red Hook Public Library hosts an annual community wide bike ride event, Tour de Red Hook.

Learn what it takes to create successful bicycling events that promote bike safety and community connection.

Gain inspiration and practical strategies to help your library encourage more people to ride.

*What’s a bike-borrow program?

A bike-borrow program provides patrons of a library or other community-based organization the opportunity to check out or “borrow” a bike for a period of time, entirely free of charge. These programs aim to target communities with limited public transit access. As of June 2026, 16 bikes have been distributed for borrowing among four bike-borrow programs across the Hudson Valley, with plans for expansion later this Summer.

Learn more by visiting the bike borrow landing page on the 511Rideshare website (511nyrideshare.org/bike-borrow)!