January 2025 Update: Book-A-Bike Bicycles are no longer reservable. Please visit a community library to fill out a waiver then borrow a bike first come, first served.
Please also note, bikes are now available across all of our community libraries!
*Ring, ring* more exciting news, our Book-A-Bike service is expanding! Starting May 20, Book-A-Bike will be offered at all locations. We’re thrilled to offer our patrons an equitable and sustainable way of exploring the vast region of San Mateo County. Book-A-Bike allows you to check out a bicycle from one of our libraries, along with a helmet, bike lock, and first aid kit.
By offering our Book-A-Bike service at more of our library locations, we look forward to offering new transformative experiences that reach beyond our buildings.
New Additions to the Book-A-Bike Service Beginning Friday, May 20, 2022
- East Palo Alto
- Foster City Library
- North Fair Oaks Library
- Pacifica Sharp Park Library
- Pacifica Sanchez Library
- Portola Valley Library
Success Stories
Our Book-A-Bike service began at the Belmont Library in 2020. We’ve heard success stories of how community members are using the bikes, including:
- A new opportunity for a family to take a leisurely bike ride to Twin Pines Park, opens a new window.
- A convenient way to take a much-needed work/study break while visiting the Belmont library.
- An engaging way to get daily exercise in the community.
- An equitable experience for one of our patrons who borrowed a bicycle for a family vacation.
How to Book-A-Bike
How do you qualify to borrow a bike? We’re glad you asked! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Must be 18 years or older and live in San Mateo County.
- Have a valid Peninsula Library System library card.
- Complete a waiver prior to borrowing the bicycle.
Note: All bicycles will need to be returned to the same library they were checked out from.
For more about Book-A-Bike procedures, check out our FAQs.
Our Fleet
With easy-to-ride, reliable bikes in mind, we purchased a fleet of 18 low-maintenance bicycles.
Many of the bike’s components, including a three or seven-speed internal gear hub and flat-free tires, should ensure a smooth ride for patrons. Other accessories can include a helmet with a GoPro mount, a basket for cargo, bike light and charging cable, bike lock, bike bell and mini first aid kit.
Be on the lookout for even more San Mateo County Libraries to implement the Book-A-Bike service in the future.
Great Bicycle Resources Worth Checking Out
- The Urban Cycling Survival Guide, opens a new window by Yvonne Bambrick
- Silicon Valley Bike Coalition Maps, opens a new window
- C/CAG of San Mateo County Bike Maps, opens a new window
- CA DMV Bicycle Safety Tips & Laws, opens a new window
- "Urban Bicycling Basics: Rules of the Road" video, opens a new window, published by San Francisco Bike Coalition
- “How to Choose a Cycle Helmet” video, opens a new window, by the Global Cycling Network
Where are your favorite places to bike ride in San Mateo County? Let us know in the comments below!
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