To the editor:
Cities throughout the world are reaping the benefits of a communitywide bicycle sharing network. Such programs allow for residents to rent a bicycle for a finite period of time. The networks utilize several strategically located kiosks around a city to allow for easy rental and return of bikes.
From large cities like Boston and Paris, to smaller towns across the United States, bicycle sharing is becoming a popular alternative for transportation and the benefits are numerous.
Choosing to use the bicycle sharing program spares the environment from toxic vehicle emissions that are polluting our cities, decreasing air quality and potentially increasing global warming. Bicycle riding also can help counter the growing problems of obesity that sedentary lifestyles are causing.
As a lifelong resident of Lewistown, and now a sophomore student at Penn State studying sustainability, I would encourage the borough of Lewistown to consider this type of program and to follow the examples set by many other cities to become more sustainable.
Allowing easy and cheap access to bicycles would benefit many Lewistown residents, as well as the environment.
Seth Loht
Lewistown
