For immediate release:
Tuesday, September 10, 2008

Contact:
Elizabeth Rapuano: 212-440-2205


Governors Island is Becoming New York City’s Car-Free Biking Oasis in the Harbor  
1 in 3 Island visitors rode bikes during Free Bike Weekend September 19 - 21

Three more weekends for visitors to enjoy biking and other programs on Governors Island

A record number of visitors enjoyed biking on Governors Island last weekend, officials from the Governors Island Preservation and Education Corporation (GIPEC) today announced. During Free Bike Weekend, sponsored by Transportation Alternatives, 1 in 3 Island visitors rode bikes -- double the Island’s typical weekend ridership. This year, 25,000 visitors have biked on Governors Island, compared to only 2,000 last year. Prior to 2007, biking was not permitted on Governors Island.

“We are thrilled that Governors Island is becoming New York City’s car-free biking oasis,” said Leslie Koch, President of GIPEC. “With more than four miles of car-free biking, thousands of people have enjoyed cycling in the center of New York Harbor. There are three weekends remaining in the Island’s public access season and I hope many more New Yorkers and visitors take advantage of bike paths and other programs on Governors Island.”

“Governors Island has fast become one of the city's magnets for cycling, and free bikes have made that happen” said Paul White, Executive Director of Transportation Alternatives, which also sponsors Free Bike Fridays on the Island. “I can't think of a better place for kids to hop on their first bicycle, or for adults to rediscover biking.”

Governors Island is open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday until October 12. Visitors can bring their own bikes on any of these days. On Friday September 26, Friday October 3 and Friday October 10, the Island is open from 10 AM to 5 PM, and bikes are free as a part of the Free Bike Fridays program. On Saturday and Sunday September 27-28, Saturday and Sunday October 4-5 and Saturday and Sunday October 11-12, the Island is open from 10 AM to 7 PM. On these days, bikes can be rented from the Bike and Roll™ rental station on Governors Island.

"Bike and Roll™ is pleased to play a role in making biking a signature activity on Governors Island," said Darryll White, Managing Partner, Bike and Roll™. "This year, thousands of New Yorkers and visitors have enjoyed the experience of bike and surrey rides around Governors Island."

About Biking on Governors Island

Visitors are invited to bring their bikes to Governors Island every Friday-Sunday through October 12. The Island is 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 beach cruiser bicycles and children's bicycles on Saturdays and Sundays:

• $5 for up to 30 minutes, $10 for up to 2hours, $15 all day.

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

• Small QuadCycle $20 for up to 30minutes, $25 for up to 1 hour (all days)
• Large QuadCycle $25 for up to 30 minutes, $30 for up to 1 hour (all days)
• Children's bike trailers $5 for up to 30 minutes, $10 for up to 2hours, $15 all day
• Season Pass for bicycle Rentals (Cruisers) $39

There are three more weekends to enjoy bike riding on Governors Island. The Island is open through October 12.

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 and New 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.