In places like Paris, Copenhagen, and Washington, D.C., people are connecting with bike-sharing systems to change the way they live by using them as a complement to rail and bus service.

If you’ve ever wondered how it works, you can learn more at the King County Bike Share Expo on Wednesday, Aug. 12 at Redmond Town Center from noon to 8 p.m.

This event – and one on Aug. 11 in Seattle – is being sponsored by King County, the City of Redmond, Redmond Town Center, the City of Seattle, Vulcan Real Estate, Cascade Bicycle Club, REI, and Whole Foods.

Three vendors will be on hand to display their newest bike-share systems, including bikes and stations, and allow you to try out one of the hottest trends in personal mobility.

Bike sharing features automated, self-serve bicycle rental stations. The high-tech, utilitarian bikes are intended for short trips. People check out a bike from a kiosk and then return it either to that location or another near their destination.

So bring your helmet, try out a bike, and learn more about bike sharing. For more information about the Bike Share Expo, call (206) 263-6230.