You Can’t Ride These Orange Bicycles Around Rochester Anymore

Well, it was good while it lasted, but if you're trying to rent one of these spiffy orange bikes, it looks like you're out of luck-- at least for right now.

That's because the bikes, part of the Nice Ride Minnesota program, have been pulled from the roads, streets and bike paths all across Minnesota's Med City.

According to this Post-Bulletin story, the entire Nice Ride Minnesota program is in transition right now. And while another company looks like it might take over administration for the program for the Nice Ride program in Minneapolis, it looks like there's no such luck for the Rochester bikes.

This MPR story notes the 200 orange bikes were first introduced in Rochester nearly two years ago, and were available to rent from several places-- including the People's Food Co-Op as well as a spot on the Peace Plaza. A third Rochester location was introduced last year. (As was an increased enforcement of the law that prohibits you from riding your bike on sidewalks downtown!)

But... were they used? Well, as it turns out, they weren't used all that much, this NewsCut story said, even though that wasn't the sole reason they've been pulled.

It's always sad to see a new business fold, but, I've gotta say, while I love to check out the bike trails, I have my own mountain bike and thus have no need to rent one. I'm guessing there were a lot of other people who were in the same boat. Too bad.

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