Zipcar, the world’s leading car-sharing network, understands its customer’s transportation needs and their desire to live an active lifestyle and take a break from the busy Big Apple on a bike. It’s latest idea – outfit several Ford Escape SUVs with practical Yakima bicycle racks and Empire Passports permits to New York State Parks – to get more customer interested and excited in its network of car sharing.

The Escape SUVs, which New Yorker’s use daily as taxis with its capable hybrid powetrain will be located in Manhattan and Brooklyn. They can be reserved on an hourly or daily basis with rates starting at $8.50. Gas, reserved parking spots, insurance, 24/7 roadside assistance and up to 180 miles of driving per day are included in the hourly and daily Zipcar rates. An Escape, like any other Zipcar can be reserved for as short as an hour or for up to four days.

In addition, Zipcar has become Bike New York’s official car sharing partner and sponsor of upcoming Bike New York tours. The newly outfitted Ford Escapes have arrived in advance of the TD Bank Five Boro Bike Tour Presented by Eastern Mountain Sports, taking place on May 1, 2011, as well as the Discover Hudson Valley Ride, taking place on June 26, 2011, to allow participants in New York City with the opportunity to train for the tours outside of the city at an affordable cost.

So, it time to get those Escapes a little dirty and up-shift a gear or two and have some fun on some trails outside the city. Don’t forget your water bottle! Work hard, Have Fun!

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