Free Bicycle Loaner Program
Working with the City of Punta Gorda, TEAM offers Free Loaner Bicycles at area locations
Busy Times for TEAM PG Free Bike Loaner Program!
In the wake of the sudden loss of one of our key bike sites, the Punta Gorda Bait and Tackle Shop at Laishley Marina, TEAM volunteers have been busy. The situation was made more complicated by the arrival of 24 new yellow bikes ordered in the fall of 2021. While we miss having bikes at Laishley, we understand the Bait and Tackle Shop’s decision and wish them the best going forward.
In a short period, the 24 new bikes were assembled by TEAM volunteers and put into service. Helping to fill the gap from the loss of the Laishley Marina site, both Four Points Sheraton Harborside and Springhill Suites added bikes to their fleets. Fishermen’s Village, which had been closed in the summer of 2021 for site renovations, reopened with 12 bikes. A fourth site with four bikes was opened at Becky’s Garden Shoppe on Cross Street in Punta Gorda.
While our volunteers have been busy maintaining and rearranging bikes, we are pleased that once the smoke cleared, we have four sites with a fleet of 36 bicycles, including one trike and one hand-pedal bike.
Anyone interested in being a Free Loaner Bike sponsor and helping us expand our fleet, should contact TEAM at 941-637-8326 or by email at team@teampuntagorda.org.
TEAM Volunteers load new bikes
TEAM volunteers Steve Catalino (left) and ALex Blackburn unload bikes at Four Points
Volunteer Steve Catalino and 8:18 Renovation & Restoration Pickup loaded with bikes
TEAM Volunteers Bill Welsch, Sean Carlson, and Kevin Hogan put bikes into service at Fishermen’s Village.
Fishermen’s Village staff Tommy Erikson and Sharon Williams proudly display Free Bike Loaner sign.
Photo credits: Kathy Oberle
Check out this video recognizing our 10 year anniversary. Turn up the volume!
Free Loaner Bike Information and Details
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Bicycles are located throughout the city: • Becky’s Garden Shop, 124 Cross St, 941-621-8551 • Fishermen’s Village – 1200 Retta Esplanade, 941-575-3000 • Four Points Sheraton – 33 Tamiami Trail, 941-637-6770 • Springhill Suites 101 Harborside, 941-347-4224
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It’s easy to borrow a bike: • Check in with host site. PLEASE NOTE: Bikes must be returned to the site from which they were borrowed. The times of bike availability vary with each location, but in most cases, bikes are to be returned by 4 pm. Bikes cannot be reserved. Only adult bikes are available. |
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Although bikes are available to the public for free, the program is supported by the generosity of people like you. It’s easy and rewarding.
A BIG THANKS to sponsors who have joined us this year:
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Help maintain our bicycle fleet. If you like to be outdoors and can operate a bicycle pump, you’d be a perfect fit for our team. Our bicycle team members visit the bike sites once per week and do minor repairs such as tighten chains, adjust seats, put air in tires, etc. We use ACME Bicycle Shop for more serious repairs. For more information, call TEAM at 941-637-8326. |
