Video: Children's Hospital launches groundbreaking bike program

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SEATTLE - Gas prices are already prompting people to look for other ways to get around town. Now, Seattle Children's Hospital is taking some groundbreaking steps to get employees out of their cars and onto bikes.

They are offering loaner bikes for employees to grab and go. They're taking so many positive steps, their bicycle program leader has been asked by Governor Chris Gregoire to be a part of her Climate Action committee.

For employees like Troy Cook and Gretchen Anderson, Children's Hospital is making riding a bike to work hard to resist. They get locker room service, free emergency cab rides, a bike pass and a commuting bonus.

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Children's Hospital is making riding a bike to work hard to resist. Employees get locker room service, free emergency cab rides, a bike pass and a commuting bonus.

"Basically, Children's buys back a parking space from us for using alternate commute modes," said Anderson.

Children's short term goal is to get at least 10% of its employees bicycling to work. What's the best way to do that? Next month, employees who pledge to ride to work twice a week will be given a free bike.

"These bikes will come with fenders, lights and a rack and a helmet so that the employee has everything they need for a bicycle commute," said Barbara Culp, Children's Hospital bicycle program.

And at their research institute in downtown Seattle, Children's has just introduced so-called loaner bikes for employees to check out.

"You could do an errand, you could go to the International District on a bike on your lunch break where you couldn't walk that," said Culp.

The goal: to increase the health and happiness of the planet and employees.

"I notice a happier, endorphin rush as I run into work. So it's great for me," said Cook.

Children's Hospital is also partnering with the University of Washington on something they're calling Flex Bike. It's similar to the Flex Car program. Starting in September, anyone who signs up will be able to check out a bike at several different locations at the University of Washington or at Children's Hospital. The first half hour is free, after that there will be a small fee.