Book-A-Bike: Cruisin’ to a Library Near You

Note as of May 2023: All San Mateo County Libraries now offer Book-A-Bike. This was a past announcement about an earlier expansion made in May 2022.

*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

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 library card starting with “29041”.
Complete a waiver, opens a new window prior to borrowing the bicycle.

We’ve made the Book-A-Bike reservation process easy. Visit our San Mateo County Libraries’ Rooms/Equipment page to reserve your bike today.

Note: All bicycles will need to be returned to the same library they were checked out from.

On the date of your Book-A-Bike reservation, arrive at the selected library and let staff know you are here to pick up the bicycle.

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!