What are they?

Red Bikes is a community service that allows you to “check out” and use a bicycle at no charge, like a library book. There are only 3 basic rules to follow:

When are they available?

The bikes may be checked out in spring when the snow is gone, through November 30th.

How do I get one?

Go to Budget Bicycle Center’s Used Bicycle Store, at 930 Regent Street. A refundable deposit is required; $40 for the bike, and $20 for a U-lock. Charge cards and checks are accepted (NO CASH).

What happens when I get a flat or other mechanical failure?

Your responsibility is to keep air in the tires, otherwise, for all service needs, take the bike to 930 Regent Street (where you got it from). If it’s more convenient, and you only have a flat or other small problem, Machinery Row Bicycles at 601 Williamson Street is also providing free service.

Who do I thank for this?

Jillian Corbett – the spark behind the whole project. She was also the founder of Scram! Couriers, but has since moved on to New York.

Roger Charly – the proprietor of Budget Bicycle Center and Machinery Row Bicycles. They provide the drop-off site for donations, and all mechanical support for the bikes.

Arthur Ross/City of Madison – your Bicycle/Pedestrian Transportation Coordinator. Secures registrations for the bikes so that they are legal.

Mulhern – Creator of the Red Bikes website.

WMMM 105.5FM – Sponsors of the annual bike painting party, through their Green Team. The party is held the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th Saturday of May. Please refer to their website, www.1055triplem.com. In the menu on the left, select “Green Team”.

Jim Jirous – Created the Red Bikes artwork.

Yourselves! – you the community provide the bicycles and enthusiasm for the project!

Why are red bikes locked up, and what happened to the yellow bikes?

Originally, in 1995, the bikes were left out in the world, to be taken and left as needed. We lost 80% a year for various reasons (theft, vandalism, accidents, mechanical failure, etc.)  In 1997, we started a Yellow Bikes program, which initiated the idea of leaving a deposit for the bike to encourage its return. Out of several hundred bicycles, we lost perhaps 20. The following year went similarly. We lost 80% of the Reds, and only 10% of the yellows. So, to stop wasting people's donations, and our labor to fix, paint and license each bicycle, we decided that the deposit system was the way to go. The Red Bikes (for the Badgers!) stayed red, but switched over to the deposit system in 2002. They are available from late Spring through the end of November because we need several months to tune up the now 300 bicycle fleet, and so that they are not destroyed by the moisture and snow plows of winter!