A Pedal Path To Happiness

Sheldon Carr wants to work in the automotive industry.

But he doesn’t have transportation to take him on a search for employment.

So Carr, 21, borrowed a bicycle on Monday, pedaled through town and looked for work. 

“I used it for job hunting,” he said moments after he returned the borrowed bike to Tri County Bicycles at 256 High Street in Pottstown. 

Carr said he’s grateful the shop provides free use of the bikes. 

“It’s good,” he said. “It helped me out.”

And that’s one of the reasons John DiRenzo Sr., owner of the store, is excited about Bike Pottstown -- a free program that offers the use of bicycles to riders over age 16 who have valid identification.

“It was brought to me by Preservation Pottstown,” DiRenzo said of the idea for the program in 2008. 

Today, Bike Pottstown is gaining popularity among folks who enjoy riding the Schuylkill River Trail, most of which includes a 19-mile section from Pottstown to Reading, he said.

The program provides training and support for riders, maintains and tracks the bikes.

“It’s been an incredibly successful program . . . We haven’t lost one bicycle since 2008,” DiRenzo said. “It’s unique. It’s free . . . I’m looking to take the bike share program regional if not national. We’re looking to put this in coffee shops, museums.”  

Tri County Bicycles also sells new and vintage bikes, accessories and operates a repair service. 

“Business is up over (77 percent) over last year,” he said. “In this bad economy, I’ve seen nothing but growth.”

Pottstown is a great place to bicycle, he said.

“It’s a flat town,” he said. “Gas prices are four dollars a gallon. The bicycle is just the number one thing to use. Park the cars.”

Aside from the practical reason to bicycle, DiRenzo hopes folks learn to love the sport and its health benefits.

“I was (270 pounds) and smoked four packs a day,” he said of his lifestyle before he became a bicyclist. “I just started to feel horrible.”

Today, DiRenzo credits bicycling for changing his life and making him happy. 

“It has made me a better person,” he said. “I smile every day.”

To learn more, visit http://www.bikepottstown.com, email info@TriCountyBicycles.net or call 484-941-6000.