With free rides available to some people on KANcycle the next two months, what are some good bike rides in north-central Kansas?

Those taking part in the Walk Kansas health initiative from March 20 to May 24 will be given a code to unlock one hour of riding on a KANCycle bike during that time.

According to OCCK Transportation, the organization that operates KANCycle, the partnership is designed to encourage Walk Kansas participants to incorporate cycling into their fitness routine.

To get access to the free rides, people must be registered for Walk Kansas , which can be done for as little as $10 and will need to download the Movatic app in the App Store or . Once the code is received, they can enter it into the app and unlock any KANcycle bike to start riding.

What communities have KANcycle bikes?

OCCK has KANcycle bikes in several communities in north-central Kansas, including Salina, Minneapolis, Concordia, Belleville, Mankato, Beloit, Lincoln, Ellsworth and Lindsborg.

Each of these communities offer unique sights and sounds to see while cycling around town.

Here's a look at just a few routes people might want to take while using a KANcycle bike, whether during Walk Kansas or otherwise.

Concordia

Concordia's KANcycle locations can be found on the north side of town, at Washington and Seventh Streets and on the campus of Cloud County Community College.

In addition to the downtown area and the community college, attractions to see in Concordia that are accessible by bike include the Orphan Train Museum, Brown Grand Theatre, Cloud County Historical Museum and Broadway Plaza.

Minneapolis

With bikes located at Second and Rock Streets, people can take a quick ride in downtown Minneapolis, Kansas, stopping by such local shops as the Farm and the Odd Fellows, grabbing a bite at Papa's Burger Mill or pedaling over to Markley Grove Park.

For a longer trip, they can also take their bike and head a ways out of town, southwest for about four miles to Rock City Park, where they can see some of the most unique rock formations available in Kansas.

Ellsworth

With bikes in downtown and in Krizek Park, there are plenty of things to explore in the cowtown of Ellsworth.

Head south across the railroad track down Douglas Avenue for a look at history including the Hodgen House and Ellsworth Historical Museum, or pedal throughout downtown to see attractions like the mural at Munchkinz Bakery or the Ellsworth Arts Gallery.

Lindsborg

In Lindsborg, cyclists can find several trips, including the Välkommen Trail, that runs from Riverside Park northeast through town including next to Bethany College.

Another option is to ride down Main Street during one of the several festivals and events or any other weekend in the historic downtown of Little Sweden.

Finally, for a longer and tougher ride, there's the option to take a bike northwest of town up to Coronado Heights Castle for a scenic overview look of the Smoky Hills.

Salina

Finally, the largest city in north central Kansas, Salina, not only has multi-use and levee trails available for cyclists, but also several streets that have bike lanes or shared space.

Options include pedaling around downtown to see the growing number of murals, sculptures and other art, going through Kenwood and Oakdale Park, or through the levee trails in and around Bill Burke Sports Complex and Indian Rock.

Ride a KANcycle bike throughout the year

For people who aren't taking part in Walk Kansas, or throughout the rest of the year, KANcycle is available in nine communities in north central Kansas.

Pay-as-you-go pricing through the Movatic app is $1.50 for 30 minutes. Additionally, annual memberships can be purchased for $30. A membership gives riders unlimited rides with the first hour free each time.

Student memberships are also available for $20 for participating schools which include Bethany College, Cloud County CC, K-State Salina, Kansas Wesleyan University, KU Med in Salina, NCK Tech and Salina Tech.