Bicycles have been the standard delivery vehicle for downtown natural foods cafe Main Squeeze for six months, but a new program by GetAbout Columbia will ease the cafe’s effort to provide the service.

GetAbout Columbia, a federally funded pilot project, recently began targeting local businesses with its nonmotorized transportation message by establishing an errand bike program.

It works by loaning businesses a commuter bicycle - complete with a helmet, cargo rack, bag, lights and lock - that employees can borrow to run errands during the day.

Businesses must show proof of insurance, have employees wanting to use the bikes take a one-hour bike safety course and sign a waiver of liability to get a bike, which will be loaned for 30 to 60 days, depending on demand.

Businesses are also given guidelines for the bicycles, which include requiring employees to wear a helmet and allowing workers to check the bike out for extended time periods if they wish. GetAbout Columbia is responsible for the bike’s maintenance, and the business is responsible for managing the bike’s use and safety.

Chris Walthall, community program coordinator for the PedNet Coalition, a contractor for GetAbout Columbia, said the program helps provide alternative transportation during the day for employees and promotes their health. It might also save employees time normally dedicated to traffic and parking hassles and reduce mileage compensation businesses pay employees, she said.

Leigh Lockhart, Main Squeeze owner, said bike deliveries began at her business after an employee suggested it, and she found they are quicker than motor vehicles. "You can get anyplace faster in the downtown area on a bike," Lockhart said. "It’s so much faster by bike simply because you can park anywhere, and I think that’s the biggest draw for people getting bike delivery on campus and at the hospitals."

Lockhart said the errand bike will allow her business to have a bike available at all times rather than relying on employees’ two-wheelers.

At first she was concerned for her employees’ safety, Lockhart said, but after talking to Walthall about the bike safety course, she felt comfortable that her riders would be well-prepared for the road.

GetAbout Columbia has leased five bicycles for the program. Walthall said she has been talking with several businesses and organizations, including the Columbia Chamber of Commerce, and Main Squeeze will be the first business to receive a bicycle. "We’re hoping that the program takes off to where we have to order more bikes," Walthall said.

The ultimate goal, Walthall said, is for businesses to discover how beneficial bikes can be for short errands and purchase bikes for employees.

Lockhart said she supports the program because it encourages a healthy lifestyle and helps the environment.

"I think it’s a sign of the fabulous direction we’re heading in as a community to be pedestrian and bicycle-friendly for everybody," she said. "Plus, really it’s guilt-saving. I feel guilty driving my car 2½ miles to work, but I think ‘Well, we’re doing bike deliveries,’ and I feel OK about that."

Businesses interested in applying for an errand bike may call GetAbout Columbia at 442-7189, ext. 31.

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