Cardinal Greenway, Inc. Community Cruiser Program is a FREE bike loaner program funded by a grant from the Delaware County Board of Health.

Community Cruisers is a FREE program! But in order to guarantee the Cruiser’s return, we collect a current PICTURE id from you and hold that ID until the Cruiser is returned. ID can include a state issued Driver’s License, state issued picture Identification card, university/college issued student ID, or any federally issued picture identification (US passport, military ID, etc).

Bikes have water bottle holders and locks. Baskets are also available.

Community Cruisers are available at the Wysor Street Depot, 700 East Wysor Street year round. 

Monday-Wednesday-Friday

8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Tuesday & Thursday

8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Call ahead for availability or with questions, 765-287-0399.

Where did this idea come from?

“Community Cruisers” is patterned on the old “Yellow Bike” programs. Yellow Bike programs—where used bikes are refurbished, painted (entirely) yellow, then set loose on the streets for all to use—were once common in progressive cities like Portland, Oregon, or St. Paul, Minnesota. “Community Cruisers” builds on the experience of those communities by taking the best of their Yellow Bike programs and adding safeguards that will make ours more workable. Our Cruisers are single-gear, coaster-brake bicycles and are also professionally maintained. The bikes are held at a Community Hub (a.k.a. - The Depot) and checked out to residents and visitors in exchange for a state or federally issued picture ID—no money, just an ID.

Why are we doing this?

(From bicyclinginfo.org) “The health benefits of regular physical activity are far-reaching: reduced risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, and other chronic diseases; lower health care costs; and improved quality of life for people of all ages. Regular exercise provides a myriad of health benefits including a stronger heart, a positive mental outlook and an increased chance of remaining indefinitely independent as grow older – a benefit that will become increasingly important as our population ages in the coming years.

A 1998 report of the American Medical Association found that 60% of Americans get no exercise whatsoever, and 40% are clinically overweight. In 1999, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) found that "obesity and overweight are linked to the nation's number one killer--heart disease--as well as diabetes and other chronic conditions." In that same report, the CDC stated that one of the reasons Americans have become so sedentary (and hence, so unhealthy) is because "walking and cycling have been replaced by automobile travel for all but the shortest distances." (October 27, 1999 issue of the JAMA) (For more on the benefits of bicycling go to: http://www.bicyclinginfo.org/pp/benefits)

“Community Cruisers” are good for your health? It’s a great way to get out on the greenways, exercise, and get fresh air and Cruiser Users will certainly get plenty of both.

But we also think they’ll get something more.

As Muncie moves forward with new bridges, roadways, and greenways, it is making room for pedestrians and bicyclists on the new thoroughfares. Although some still think of transportation only in terms of cars, more and more are beginning to understand that, for the sake of our own physical health as well as the health of our environment, our future must both include and encourage alternative forms of transportation.