Already painted, this yellow bicycle awaits a basket and a "Bike Taxi" identification plate Wednesday, June 4. Mary Pemble- Swiderski of the Michigan State University Extension office is among those working to put the bicycle loan program in place. By the end of the month, St. Ignace visitors and residents will be able to check out a bicycle free of charge to ride around town. Already in use in Marquette, Menominee, and other cities across the county, the yellow bicycle program will begin in St. Ignace by the end of the month with 13 donated bicycles.

St. Ignace Area Hope has agreed to sponsor the bicycle program, and will have the bicycles available at its Hope Chest resale store on Ferry Lane. Arrangements can be made with the volunteer on duty.

"A lot of seasonal people come up here and shop," said Connie Litzner of St. Ignace Area Hope, "so we thought this would be a good drop off and pick up point."

The program is for anyone who needs transportation, said Mary Pemble-Swiderski of the Michigan State University Extension office, who spearheaded the project. Those who are interested in getting physical activity, she said, but don't own a bicycle, also can sign them out.

"St. Ignace also has so many seasonal workers, this will be a good opportunity for them," she said.

By providing free transportation, the two women agree, the courtesy bicycles will help lessen the financial burden for residents and seasonal workers who now pay for transportation services to take them to shops, run errands, and make local appointments.

"We see a lot of people here who don't have transportation," said Mrs. Litzner. "This program will help save them money."

To use a bicycle, the rider must sign a waiver and take responsibility for his or her own safety. Each bicycle has a lock and riders will be given a key, which is attached to a long yellow cord. The bicycles have baskets large enough to hold a few bags of groceries or other items.

The length of time that a person may use a bicycle has not been determined.

The bicycle program, Mrs. Pemble-Swiderski said, would not be possible without the support of the community. All of the bikes are used, were donated by area residents, and have been refurbished by bike shop owner Mike Buby. A correctional facility crew painted the bicycles yellow. The St. Ignace Community Foundation granted the program $500 to purchase the locks, bicycle parts, and baskets. Lynwood Leightner used scrap wood to make a bike rack to store the bicycles. Bike helmets were donated by the St. Ignace Police Department and the Michigan State Police post.

The bicycles will be available through October. Mrs. Pemble- Swiderski hopes to have more bicycles available next year and may ask businesses to sponsor a bicycle.

"I really believe it's going to be a success and help those who need transportation to get to the grocery stores, other businesses, and service areas," she said. "Also, it will help those who just want to exercise."