So you've got friends in town this summer and you want to show them around the city. Problem is, the best way to see the city is from a bicycle saddle and you don't have any extra bikes in your closet-size studio.

I think there's a solution! You may have read about the new bike sharing program on Governor's Island, but have you heard about the bike sharing program right here in Lower Manhattan? The program is called Bike Around Downtown. According to the website, there are 30 bikes available at South Street Seaport to "rent" for free. You just have to register and then reserve the bike in advance for a block of time.

Can a Velib-style system in New York be far behind? OK, don't answer that.

The program appears to be sponsored by the Alliance for Downtown New York and Bike and Roll NYC. Good on ya, folks!