Easy riders

Public can borrow bikes for free from Humana center

JOHN GURZINSKI/VIEWCyclists participate during the opening of Freewheelin at Humana Guidance Center, 1000 N. Green Valley Parkway, Suite 720. Freewheelin, which started Oct. 27, allows riders to check out bikes free of charge during business hours. JOHN GURZINSKI/VIEWDixon Keller, sales director for Humana of Nevada, holds a bike helmet as he talks about Freewheelin on Oct. 27 at Humana Guidance Center. Advertisement

Humana Guidance Center in Henderson wants residents to park their cars and take a bike ride.

The center has installed a permanent Freewheelin bike station, which holds 18 bicycles that community members can use for free.

"Bicycles are a fun way to get some exercise and a great way to get around town while doing something good for the environment and your health," said Curt Howell, president of Humana of Nevada. "We've seen a lot of success and enthusiasm with Humana's Freewheelin program, and we expect to see many more delighted Freewheelers in Henderson."

Humana Inc. created the Freewheelin program after the company, along with the bicycle-advocacy group Bikes Belong, took 1,000 bicycles to the 2008 national political conventions in Denver and Minneapolis-St. Paul. During the conventions, people took more than 7,500 rides, pedaled nearly 42,000 miles, burned 1.3 million calories and reduced their carbon footprint by 14.6 metric tons. Humana is now bringing the stations into local communities through the guidance centers. Henderson is one of three centers to have a Freewheelin station.

"This is such a great program for the city of Henderson," Councilwoman Gerri Schroder said. "The city is committed to sustainability, and biking is just one of the ways to reduce greenhouse gases."

Schroder said the program is a perfect fit for the city because Henderson has 55 miles of trails, and an additional 50 miles will be completed in the next five years.

"This is a great way to get out and enjoy the environment," Schroder said.

The Freewheelin station, located outside the guidance center at 1000 N. Green Valley Parkway, Suite 720, is near The District at Green Valley Ranch, the Henderson Multigenerational Center and city bike paths.

"We want to truly establish Humana Guidance Center as a community resource," Howell said.

Humana is a full-service benefits solutions company that offers health and supplementary benefit plans for employer groups, government programs and individuals. Members can speak with staff about Medicare and health benefits, as well as other health-related information.

The Freewheelin bike station is just another way to get members talking about exercise.

All Henderson residents, ages 18 or older with a valid photo identification card, can check out a bike between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. A credit card must be presented, but no charge will be made as long as bikes are returned by 5 p.m.

The bicycles are Trek Limes, three-speed automatic shift bikes in a cruiser style. Two sizes are available to accommodate riders from 5 feet tall to 6 feet 3 inches tall.

Riders also can borrow helmets and bike locks for free. Before the first ride, users will need to complete a bicycle safety session.

Although kids can't take bikes out, families can ride together if children bring their own bicycles.

For information, visit www.humana. com or call 837-4401.