AKRON, Ohio - Bicycling enthusiasts in Akron and Barberton now have access to free bikes through November.

Summit Bike Share and Barberton Bike Share offer a bicycle sharing system with bike stations situated near access points to the Towpath Trail, the Ohio & Erie Canalway and main roadways in both cities.

Each of the 10 bike stations - three in Barberton and seven in Akron - will have four bikes, helmets and locks.To borrow a bike, riders must provide a photo ID and sign a release form.

The Barberton program is already underway, with Summit Bike Share kicking off Friday, May 25.

Summit Bike Share

In the Akron program, riders can ride for for up to three hours, to cruise the area's scenic byways, while exploring parks, restaurants and businesses.

According to U.S. government figures, the first 110 miles of the Ohio and Erie Canalway from Cleveland to New Philadelphia, known as the National Heritage Area, has an economic impact of $408 million on the region each year.

Barberton Bike Share

Borrowed bikes from the Barberton Bike Share must be returned by the end of the business day. This year, Barberton has added a youth-sized bike station at the Barberton Public Library.

Last year, Barberton Bike Share was used 250 times, with 70 percent of users checking out bikes for more than an hour.

"Since assuming the office of Mayor, I have strived to create an environment throughout our community that encourages walking and biking related activities," said Barberton Mayor William B. Judge in a news release. "Cities that support walkable/bikeable infrastructure not only see benefits in overall community health, they also realize economic development opportunities. Thank you to all the regional partners that contributed to this successful endeavor."

Summit Bike Share offers bikes at seven Akron locations.

The bright, red bikes are offered at these Summit County locations.

Akron:

Callis Tower Apartments

Courtyard Marriott Downtown

Citi Center Athletic Club

Lock 3

Maple Valley Branch Library

Summit Lake Community Center

Richard Howe House

Barberton:

Stark State Barberton Campus

Lake Anna YMCA

Barberton Public Library

The program is supported by the Knight Foundation and through a Creating Healthy Communities Grant from Summit County Public Health. The Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition, in partnership with the Barberton Community Foundation, coordinates the program. The bikes are maintained by R&D Bike Shop, Summit Cycling Center and Electric Pete's E-Bikes.

For specific times the bikes are available at each location, visit the Summit Bike Share website.

Want more Akron news? Sign up for cleveland.com's Rubber City Daily, an email newsletter delivered at 5:30 a.m. Monday through Friday.