Solon Bicycle Renting Program Gets Boost From Grant

SOLON, OH — Solon's bicyclists are in for a treat. The Rotary Club of Solon recently gave a $7,000 grant to the city to fund the Solon Spins project, which tries to provide every resident in the city with an opportunity to bicycle.

“Bicycling has both physical and mental benefits and we want as many of our residents as possible to be able to enjoy a bike ride in our beautiful city,” said Solon Mayor Edward Kraus. “With this grant, we will be able to provide our citizens the opportunity to affordably borrow a bicycle that meets their needs.”

The money will purchase bicycles that residents will be able to borrow through the Solon Community Center and Solon Senior Center for a nominal fee. The age-friendly bicycles include an adult tricycle, a child's tricycle, a recumbent bike, a step-through bike, a bicycle with training wheels and children's bikes in 16 inches, 20 inches and 24 inches. The city will also purchase three standard hybrid bicycles, along with helmets, baskets and bags for carrying items.

The city will also use grant money to buy a storage shed to store the bikes and associated equipment.

In support of the Solon Spins project, there will be several educational sessions held in Solon. The first of those sessions, Silver Spokes, was held July 12 and was hosted by Bike Cleveland. Silver Spokes is a cycling expo for older adults.

“The Silver Spokes brought to light the joy that can be felt by opening up the opportunity to bicycle for those who otherwise would not be able to due to mobility, cost or storage issues,” said Jill Frankel, director of senior services for Solon. “Although Solon is not as walkable for older persons as we would like yet, they will now have the ability to use age-friendly bicycles and ride around town.”

Solon Police Department and Solon Bicycle will offer an ongoing bicycle education program as well, the city said.

“We want our residents to enjoy biking our city, but we also want everyone to be safe while doing so, so we really encourage everyone to take advantage of the bike safety education that Solon Spins and the Solon PD is offering,” said Kraus.