a new set of wheels.

When my husband and I were in Denver this past summer, we noticed so many people riding red bikes around the city. Eventually, while walking around downtown, we noticed a row of bikes, each for rent using a nearby bright red kiosk. I thought it was a novel idea, but that was before I even knew the whole story.

These bikes are part of a wellness effort started by Humana insurance company, Trek Bicycle Corporation and Crispin Porter + Bogusky as a healthy, cleaner way to travel. The campaign was started in an effort to combat the inevitable $27 billion that would be spent by insurance companies due to obesity in 2010. Instead of running a typical advertising campaign encouraging people to make healthy decisions, Humana came up with a possible (and creative) solution.

An individual can register online and purchase a rental package, and then rent a bike by swiping a personal ID card at the bike rack in their city. Or, registration is available at the kiosk that accompanies the bike racks. The first 30 minutes of riding is always free, and the bikes can be returned at any B Cycle station around town. 

Immediately my wheels started spinning. This is a great idea for those of us in townhomes who do not have the storage for two bikes but would still love the exercise that a bike offers. Not only is it a great way to enjoy the outdoors, but it's healthy and contributes to a greener community.

Chattanooga needs these bikes! If you are from the Chattanooga area (and even if you aren't), check out bcycle.com and click on the Who Wants It More? tab at the top of the page. Enter your zip code to vote for your city to have the next installment of B Cycle bikes. Let's see if we can bring this new way to be healthy to our city!