Since the launch of Free Bike Fridays on June 6, 2008, more than 20,000 bicyclists have visited Governors Island. Sponsored by Transportation Alternatives, the program has availed free one-hour bicycle rentals on Fridays to visitors, giving more New Yorkers than ever the chance to experience the city's harbor by bike. With the season drawing to a close, Transportation Alternatives and the Governors Island Preservation and Education Corporation are announcing an entire weekend of free bike rentals as part of Free Bike and Kite Weekend.

From September 19 through September 21, visitors can come out to Governors Island to borrow a bike for free for up to one hour. Bikes are limited and are available on a first come, first served basis. The first 250 visitors each day will also be given a free kite to fly on the Island's Parade Ground.

"The combination of free bikes and safe space for cycling is helping Governors Island break all records," says Paul Steely White, Executive Director of Transportation Alternatives. "Sponsoring free bikes has helped us promote bicycling like never before."

"Free Bike and Kite Weekend is a tremendous opportunity for New Yorkers and visitors to experience more than four miles of car-free cycling at the center of New York Harbor," said Leslie Koch, President of the Governors Island Preservation and Education Corporation. "We are grateful to Transportation Alternatives for providing this wonderful program for all of Governors Island's visitors."