PRESS RELEASE
October 2, 2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Rochelle Wheeler, Transportation Planner
(510) 747-7442
Dock-less Bike Share LimeBike Launching in City of Alameda
October 5 Official Launch Event at Faction Brewing
This Thursday, October 5th, the City of Alameda is bringing LimeBike to its streets, marking the first dock-less bike share to come to the East Bay. At least 300 LimeBikes will be available throughout the island, providing Alameda locals and visitors with a more affordable, reliable, and sustainable transportation option. With LimeBike’s bike share services, people can spontaneously make short trips by bicycle to get to the ferry terminal, lunch, or run a quick errand.
“More and more people are looking for quick ways to get around Alameda,” said City Manager Jill Keimach. “This new dock-less bike share program provides more options to get around and will help reduce drive-alone trips -- one of our island’s transportation goals.”
After getting enthusiastic feedback from the business community and its transportation agency partners, the City is entering into a non-exclusive agreement with LimeBike for a six-month pilot program. At the end of the pilot, the City will consider adjusting and/or extending the program. Unlike the traditional station-based bike share systems, there are no costs to the City for implementing or operating this program.
“As the first dock-less bike share in the East Bay, LimeBike is thrilled to provide a more sustainable, affordable transportation alternative for Alameda residents and visitors,” said Megan Colford, LimeBike’s Bay Area Operations Manager.
LimeBike’s pay-as-you-go rides cost just $1.00, or 50 cents for students, for a 30-minute ride. Adults are encouraged to bring their own helmet, and everyone under 18 is required by law to wear a helmet.
All bright green LimeBikes are GPS and 3G-enabled, making it simple for riders to find, unlock, and ride off on a nearby bike using the iPhone iOS or Android smartphone app. Download the LimeBike app to find a bike nearby. Scan or enter the bike’s plate number to unlock the bike. When the ride is finished, riders simply lock the bike's back wheel and responsibly park between the pedestrian-designated sidewalk area and the street curb, or at a bike rack.
To celebrate the launch, new riders can use the code “EASTBAYLIME” to receive their first five LimeBike rides for free.
The media and general public are invited to the “Official LimeBike Launch Event” as we kick off launch day in Alameda!
When: Thursday, October 5, 4:00 pm
Location: Faction Brewing, 2501 Monarch Street, Alameda
4:00 pm – Arrive
4:15 pm – LimeBike Unlocking Ceremony
4:25 pm – Inaugural Bike Ride by VIP’s
4:30 pm – Return to Faction Brewing. Media interviews available with City officials and LimeBike Bay Area Operations Manager Megan Colford, plus the general public enjoying happy hour.
For those new to bicycling, or who haven’t been on a bicycle in a while, the City’s recently grant-funded Bicycle Safety Education program is offering regular bicycle safety classes in Alameda: www.bikeeastbay.org/education.
More information about how to get around town and commute without driving alone is available on the new Alameda Transportation Management Association’s website at www.alamedaTMA.org.
Photo: Jill Keimach, Alameda City Manager (left) and Andrew Thomas, Assistant Community Development Director (right).
Photo credit: City of Alameda
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