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Donors Rejuvenate Baltimore's Bike-Lending Program

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Corporate and non-profit donors have stepped up to rejuvenate Baltimore's bike-lending program.

Mike Schuh reports new rules are in place to make sure these bikes won't be stolen.

In May, a flash mob of teens in Druid Hill overwhelmed the person checking out bikes and 47 were stolen. The program was shut down.

Now the Rdie Around program has a fleet of new bikes. Thirty brand-new cruisers are ready to go on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at Druid Hill and Lake Montebello.

"Like many here, my heart was broken when the Ride Around program had its bikes stolen," said Mayor Stephanie-Rawlings-Blake.

But thanks to donations of over $4,000 from Rails to Trails and M&T Bank, the mayor was able to lead a ride Monday morning.

"And we just decided this is something that would benefit the city, benefit the community as a whole," said Mike Reiley, M&T Bank vice president.

"Unfortunately, we did have a setback but it gave us a chance as Baltimoreans to come together," Rawlings-Blake said.

The rides are free but a $5 donation is suggested.

The bikes used to be kept in a corral. When they were stolen, they were all unlocked and the mob just took them. Now they'll be brought out one at a time and locked until they're released.

Additionally, a dedicated police officer will be nearby and in Druid Hill Park, the rental site was moved away from the pool.

Another 50 bikes are on order and will be in place by spring.

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