Last year, Lake Express – the Lake Michigan ferry that runs between Milwaukee and Muskegon, Mich. – collected over 700 donated bicycles in exchange for tickets on the ferry. This Friday, Earth Day, they'll be at it again, accepting used bike donations for trips across the lake.

The project is part of a collaboration between Lake Express and the Milwaukee Bicycle Collective. The Collective promotes eco-friendly bicycling as a primary mode of transportation. And while you can't ride your bike across the lake, the Lake Express is Travel Green-certified, making the partnership is a natural fit. 

So get a head start on cleaning out the garage and get rid of that old bike you never really use anymore. Bikes can be taken to the marina at 2330 S. Lincoln Memorial Dr., between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. In exchange, donors will receive a free round-trip ticket on the ferry – which normally runs for $145.

Plus, anything that helps avoid Chicago traffic is priceless.