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You’re Hotter on Two Wheels

The number one complaint of SXSW is that there are not enough cabs. Even with 20+ cab companies and give or take, 500+ cabs in Austin (according to the Austin Taxi Driver’s Association – waiting on confirmation), most folks have to resort to hitchhiking, walking or even crawling to point B. Plus, you’ll have to pay an additional $100 if you boot in the back of the cab. That’s expensive sickness my friend.

But really, there’s no need with all the bike rental shops and bike lanes around the City.

Renting for short period or need to run a quick errand? No problem!

Barton Springs Bike Rental rents by the hour, and after three hours, they stop charging. And depending on the bike, beach cruisers to electric to tandum, hourly rental prices range from $7-10 with helmet and locks included. Plus Barton Springs Bike Rental will drop off and pick up the bike for free and they offer bike tours of Austin.

Location: 1529 Barton Springs Rd. Suite 31

(512) 480-0200

Bicycle Sports Shop also rents up to two hours for $13 and bikes range from cruisers to mountain to the Elliptigo. Anything over two hours will be a day rate of $18. Both rates also include helmet and pedals with a lock charging $4. Bikes must be dropped off by 7p that night.

Location: 517 S. Lamar Blvd.

(512) 477-3472

For all the film and interactive badge holders, SXSW has partnered with Tern Bicycles for the conference’s first bike share program, SXcycles. 150 bikes will be available for free and on a first come, first serve basis March 9-13, from 9a – 2a. Riders can also pre-register for a bike on VeloLet.com.

Location: 513 East Cesar Chavez Street, directly across from the Austin Convention Center

Need a bike for a day or longer?

Mellow Johnny’s Bike Shop, backer of the upcoming Austin Bike Share program, offers more specialized bikes (Gary Fisher and Trek) at rates ranging from $30-50 a day. This comes with a helmet and lock and pick up and drop up is at their downtown local. Plus, you can get a jolt of local coffee brew from the Juan Pelota Café located inside the bike shop.

Location: 400 Nueces St.

(512) 473-0222

Lastly, got a few minutes to explore Austin while you’re here? The Lance Armstrong Bikeway is the easiest way to get across town while taking in Lady Bird Lake. Or ride along the eight miles of the Barton Creek Greenbelt to burn off steam or sweat out the booze!

Whatever you decide to do, hopefully your commute around Austin is much more enjoyable and easier on two wheels.

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