May is National Bike Month.
2008
Year that Gabriel Levinson, often described as the founding father of the present-day book bike, began riding his custom-built Haley book tricycle around Chicago’s parks to hand out free materials. He later partnered with Chicago Public Library to continue distribution.
260
Pounds of cargo, the maximum that a standard-model Haley Book Bike can support.
2,696
Miles pedaled by Pima County (Ariz.) Public Library’s fleet of book bikes in its first six years of operation (2012–2018). In that time, staffers and volunteers gave away 76,997 books and attended 1,029 events.
$1,800
Cost to establish Maricopa County (Ariz.) Library District’s book bike. The bike is equipped with an umbrella with pole extension, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and an air compressor, among other items.
25
Speed, in miles per hour, that San Francisco Public Library’s Spoke & Word electric-assist bike can reach.
2013
Year that one of the first major US public library bike-share programs was established at Athens County (Ohio) Public Libraries. That year, the library’s 21 bikes were its most circulated items.
19
Number of years the Green Bikes Program at Keene (N.H.) State College has been in operation. Students, staff, and faculty can borrow one of the school’s 100 bicycles for up to a semester through the library. The program is part of Keene State’s goal to go carbon neutral by 2050.
20
Number of bicycles available for checkout at the Young Men’s Educational Network’s bicycle lending library in Chicago’s North Lawndale neighborhood. The library is located in a repurposed shipping container and includes a shop for simple repairs.
