That day marks the launch of the Yellow Bike Program in the city of Peterborough. Organizer Cathy Hooper says while it has taken a lot of work to bring the transportation mode to residents, it has been well worth the effort.

“It’s great,” says Cathy.

“We’re building community. On your bike, you’re more community-minded than in your car,” said Cathy in an earlier interview. She adds the Yellow Bike Program provides transportation that doesn’t contribute to pollution, traffic congestion or fossil fuel consumption.

The Yellow Bike Program makes bicycles, distinctively marked with yellow paint, available to anyone in the city who needs one. Cyclists simply obtain a key for approximately $5 and then use it to unlock any of the bikes secured at one of several depots throughout the city. The Yellow Bike Program exists in various states and Toronto recently started its own, says Cathy.

Cathy and her friends originally approached City Hall about the program more than two years ago, however had difficulties recruiting mechanics and welders for the project and securing funding. The group received funding from Eco Action and the Ontario Public Interest Research Group donated space for a workshop.

The introduction of the bikes to the city begins at 1 p.m. at Nichols Oval at Parkhill and Armour roads. The event will be marked with music, air quality and air pollution displays, along with a parade.

Residents are invited to decorate their own bicycles and participate in the leisurely trek along the bike path and throughout the city. People who don’t have bikes can take out memberships to use the yellow ones.

Forty bikes will be available by the launch date and available at depots throughout the city, says Cathy.

Volunteers are welcome to join the Yellow Bike group to help fix and paint bicycles. The group meets Tuesday and Thursday at 4 p.m. at 740 Water St.

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