NEW YORK, NY May 01, 2009 —Too tired to take the subway, try pushing pedals on a two wheeler. This month is Bike Month and starting next week there will be 630 free bicycle rentals at Pier 17 at the South Street Seaport. Riders must reserve their bike online first, but will be able to drop them off at several locations around the city.

Nick Miscione rents and sells bikes at Metro Bicycle on Varick Street and says for them, every month is bike month, although there has been an uptick in sales recently. He says a good New York bike need to be tough enough for the terrain, but also "light weight, good control, good brakes, gears are nice but probably not as necessary."

A trained architect, Miscione began working at the shop in high school, but has recently returned because of the recession.

This Sunday is the Five Borough bike tour. About 30,000 bikers are expected for the 42 mile ride that kicks off at Battery Park. It's the only time of year that streets and bridges will be closed for bikers.