SIMSBURY FREE BIKE
Simsbury Free Bike Regional Bike Share concluded its 9th and final season in October. We would like to thank all the volunteers, advocates and businesses that worked tirelessly to support this program. The availability of trailside bicycles brought thousands of people to the Town of Simsbury over the years and showcased our trail system to residents and visitors alike. The Simsbury Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee will continue to work with residents, schools, businesses, and the town to promote safe cycling, improve connectivity and showcase and protect our section of the Farmington Canal Heritage trail. Simsbury is so fortunate to be part of the East Coast Greeenway, a model corridor for walking and cycling that extends from Maine to Florida. www.greenway.org.
Simsbury Free Bike regional bike share serves riders in 5 communities - Simsbury, Farmington, Avon, New Britain and Cheshire. Riders interested in borrowing a bike must verify that they are at least 18 years old, sign a waiver and provide a refundable $10 deposit. Along with the bike, riders receive a helmet and bike lock. Trail maps can be purchased for a small fee, and bikes can be borrowed for up to 24 hours. The program operates from May 1st through October 31st.
Most distribution centers are in close proximity to the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail or the Farmington River Trail. The New Britain location, at The New Britain Museum of American Art, is an easy ride to Walnut Hill Park. Visit multiple locations and explore all these trails have to offer. Please note that some locations are reserved for residents and guests only. The program is designed to allow more people to enjoy our beautiful greenways by bike.
We are a nonprofit organization run exclusively by volunteers dedicated to your enjoyment and safety.
Donations are appreciated and keep our bikes rolling.
2019 Update
Simsbury Free Bike regional bike share began its 9th season on May 1. The opening of the popular distribution site at Fitzgerald's Foods in Simsbury has been delayed until construction at that site is complete. Currently Simsbury Free Bikes are available at The Simsbury Inn, the Simsbury 1820 House, Mill Commons Apartments and Highcroft apartments for their residents and their guests. We are looking for underwriters (e.g., business, town, advocacy group) in Avon, Farmington and Granby, as well as a volunteer shop manager, in order to open additional distribution sites. Interested? Contact us at 860.841.2611.
Our History
Originating from Simsbury Public Works Director's efforts to make use of abandoned bikes that had accumulated at the department, Simsbury Free Bike launched in 2011 with 6 bikes in one location. The program has grown to over 50 bicycles in 11 locations and is Connecticut’s largest multi-town bike share.
Donations
Simsbury Free Bike, through the Children and Adult Mobility Project, is a 501-c-3 non profit corporation. Our work is funded by grants and generous donations from individuals and local businesses.
Bike Advocacy, Volunteering, and Shop Night
Simsbury Free Bike is an all-volunteer organization dedicated to building bike friendly communities and encouraging cycling for fun, fitness, and transportation. In addition to running the regional bike share program, Simsbury Free Bike works with local and regional leaders to promote a safe and friendly walking and biking community. Volunteers build and maintain the fleet and participate in bike advocacy initiatives. Monday is Shop Night. Stop by 6-8 pm and learn about volunteer opportunities - no experience required! (Email ahead to confirm the shop will be open.) Our shop, which is NOT a bike share location, is located at Iron Horse Trike and Ebike at 19 Iron Horse Blvd. below the old Andy's Supermarket.
Follow us on Facebook. Contact us at simsburyfreebike@gmail.com .
Childrens Bike Donations Welcome
Children’s Bike Donations Welcome
Simsbury Public Schools (SPS) started its Bike Safety Education program using rented youth bicycles, but given the cost of renting and the challenge of finding appropriately sized bikes to rent, the schools sought a better system. With the assistance of Simsbury Free Bike, the district has built its own fleet of children’s bikes. This will save the district money and allow for more time and flexibility with on-bike instruction. Simsbury Free Bike is accepting donations of quality children’s bikes from name-brand manufacturers, which they will refurbish for the schools’ use. Bikes should range in size from 16” to 20” (tire size). For more information
contact Simsbury Free Bike at simsburyfreebike@gmail.com.
Bike Donations
Donate a Bike
Simsbury Free Bike accepts bike donations to build and support our fleet and advocacy initiatives. Bikes must be in operating condition; however, flat tires are acceptable. They should also be name brand, not discount store varieties. We prefer hybrid bikes with 700 wheels, but hard tail mountain bikes with 26” or larger wheels will be accepted.
If you have a bike you would like to donate, please contact Simsbury Free Bike at simsburyfreebike@gmail.com to discuss. Space and staffing sometimes limit our ability to accept used bikes. Please DO NOT leave bikes outside of our shop without prior notice. This creates an unexpected workload, and in many cases, a disposal cost.
WELCOME TO SIMSBURY.BIKE
Dedicated to safer, more accessible biking and walking in Connecticut's first Bicycle-Friendly Community.