After months of planning and volunteer work, an Austin bike-sharing program kicks off on Friday.

Volunteers with Vision 2020’s Bike/Walk Trail committee will hold a ribbon cutting at 4 p.m. Friday at Rydjor Bike Shop, 213 N. Main St., to debut Red Bike, which will feature 30 single-speed bikes at racks around town that people can borrow, use and return anytime they like for no cost.

The project’s goal is to encourage healthy living and reduce traffic congestion. By having this free bike share option in the community, residents will be encouraged to try making routine trips by bike and ride more often.

The program is kicking off with about 30 bikes instead of the original plan for 60, as Vision 2020 Bike/Walk Committee Chairman Steve Kime noted organizers underestimated the work time to get donated bikes ready for the program.

Riverland Community College’s automotive program and Rydjor Bike Shop have been vital in working on the program.

Leaders ask that anyone who uses a bicycle take care of it and simply return it to one of the Red Bike Racks when finished riding. Bicycles will be available for use at any of the Red Bike Rack locations in Austin.