New York, NY: June 3, 2009: Free Bike Fridays, the tremendously popular free program on Governors Island, begins this Friday, June 5, the Governors Island Preservation and Education Corporation (GIPEC) announced today. Every Friday between June 5 and October 9, visitors can borrow a bike for free, for up to one hour. More than 200 bikes will be available for the program this year. Free Bike Fridays is sponsored by Bike and Roll™.

Free Bike Fridays first began in 2008, and following its tremendous success, it is being offered again this year.

"More than one quarter of all visitors bike while on Governors Island, making it one of the Island’s signature activities," said GIPEC Chair Avi Schick. "We are so pleased that more New Yorkers than ever will have the opportunity to borrow a bike for free and explore the Island."

"Governors Island, with its sweeping views, great open spaces, car-free roads and the return of its bike-share program, makes this a must-visit destination in the City," said City Transportation Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan. "Free Bike Fridays helps make for the perfect start to any weekend and a great introduction to cycling as a healthy, enjoyable and efficient way to get around the City and experience all it has to offer."

Governors Island has more than five miles of car-free biking available to visitors. This year, for the first time, visitors can bike around the entire 2.2 mile promenade that circles the Island. Also for the first time, they can bike to Picnic Point, a new eight acre picnic area on the Island’s southwestern corner that has never before been open to the public.

On Fridays, Governors Island is open from 10 AM to 5 PM. The ferry runs once an hour between the BatteryMaritime Building and Governors Island. The ferry ride, as well as admission to the Island is free. An updated ferry schedule can be found on www.govisland.com. The Bike and Roll™ rental kiosk is located immediately to the left after visitors disembark the Governors Island ferry.

Visitors are also permitted to bring their own bikes from Friday – Sunday when the Island is open to the public. On Fridays, adult and children’s bikes are free. On Saturdays and Sundays, adult bikes can be rented for $15 for two hours. Bike and Roll™ also rents four-person bike surreys, children’s bikes, children’s bike trailers, wagons and other bike accessories.

"Free public bikes are proving a huge boost to bicycling in New York," said Paul Steely White, Executive Director of Transportation Alternatives (T.A.). "T.A. is proud to have brought free biking to Governors Islandlast year and we are thrilled to see the program continuing."

"Free Bike Fridays is a great program for Governors Island visitors," said Darryll White, one of the company owners. "This year, with twice the number of bikes available for the public, combined with more and more people discovering the revitalized New York City waterfront, we look forward to bringing the joy of biking onGovernors Island to an ever increasing diverse audience of both residents and visitors. We’re honored and proud to be a part of this very beneficial program."

Governors Island is open to the public every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from May 30 through October 11. The ferry ride and admission to Governors Island are free.

About Biking on Governors Island

Visitors are invited to bring their bikes to Governors Island every Friday-Sunday through October 11. The Islandis open for visitors from 10 AM to 5 PM on Friday and 10 AM to 7 PM on Saturday and Sunday.

Adult and children’s bikes are free on Fridays for up to one hour. Surreys can be rented on Fridays for a fee.

Bikes and surreys can be rented on Saturday and Sunday. Rental rates are as follows:

For comfort bicycles on Saturdays and Sundays:

• $15 for 2 hours, $20 all day

For children’s bicycles on Saturdays and Sundays:

• $12 for 2 hours, $15 all day

On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, visitors may also rent:

• Small QuadCycle $20 for up to one hour, $30 up to two hours 
• Large QuadCycle $25 for up to one hour, $35 for up to 2 hours
• Tandem bikes $25 for two hours, $35 all day

About the Governors Island Preservation and Education Corporation (GIPEC)

The Governors Island Preservation and Education Corporation (GIPEC) is responsible for the planning, redevelopment, and ongoing operations for 150 acres of Governors Island. A partnership of New York City andNew York State, GIPEC seeks to bring Governors Island back to life, making this island at the center of New York Harbor a destination with great public open space, as well as future education, not for profit and commercial facilities. For more information please visit www.govisland.com.

About Bike and Roll

Since 2001, Bike and Roll has been America’s leading bicycle rental and guided tour- company. With locations nationwide and over 50 years of combined management experience and expertise, Bike and Roll provides a safe and fun experience, quality rental equipment, outstanding customer service and exceptional value.

Bike and Roll currently operates bicycle rental and tour operations at parks, waterfronts and tourist destinations in New York City, Chicago, Miami Beach, San Francisco and Washington DC. The Bike and Roll bicycle fleet consists of high quality late model bicycles and the product line includes bicycle and skate rentals, bicycle rides and tours, bicycle repairs, and accessory sales. Bike and Roll also offers Share a Bike programs, Season Passes and a unique Hop On-Hop Off bicycle rental program. The Hop On Hop Off program allows customers to ride a bike from one Bike and Roll location to another and leave the bike at their leisure. They may return to pick up the bike at that location or another Bike and Roll location within a specified period of time. The program is designed to promote connectivity of the 5 Boroughs and NYC Parks through combined use with NY Water Taxi and other ferry services. Bike and Roll also plans for the Hop On Hop Off program to provide a safe and convenient option to access New York City points of interests, attractions and recreation destinations.

In New York City, Bike and Roll has established locations in Parks and along the Greenway bicycle path in order to provide safe, convenient, car free access to bicyclists. Along with Governors Island, other New York City, Bike and Roll locations include Pier 84 in Hudson River Park, South Street Seaport and coming soon, Battery Park.

About Transportation Alternatives

Transportation Alternatives is a 7,000-member non-profit organization founded in 1973. T.A. advocates for better bicycling, walking and public transit in New York City.