Renting a car is one way to see a new city, but for a real close-up (and a little exercise), how about renting a bike?

A website launched earlier this year, http://www.rentabikenow.com/, helps travellers find two-wheeled transportation in 168 cities in the United States and Canada. It works with 200 bike stores -- and counting, putting site users directly in touch with the rental inventory at independent bicycle stores large and small.