Dockless Bike Share Pilot Program Update
Over 10,000 rides in first 30 days
On October 5, 2017, the City of Alameda launched a 6-month pilot program for its first ever bike share program, LimeBike, which allows residents and visitors to easily enjoy Alameda by bicycle, without the costs and constraints of using permanent docking infrastructure. The City’s agreement with LimeBike requires monthly reporting, and the initial numbers are in:
First 30 Days -- By the Numbers
· More than 10,000 trips taken
· Average of 350 rides per day
· Average number of unique riders per day is 266
· Peak times are the morning commute and from 3-5pm
“We are excited to have data that shows a high and continued level of ridership on the island,” stated City Manager Jill Keimach. “LimeBike’s innovative and cost-effective dockless bike share program is good for Alameda -- reducing trips taken by cars, alleviating traffic, and it is free to the City, using no taxpayer dollars.”
LimeBike has a customer service team plus an operations ground team of five full-time staff supporting Alameda, who are maintaining and redistributing bikes. When people sign up, the LimeBike smartphone app includes educational information regarding local laws and regulations, like those that require all individuals under 18 to wear a helmet while riding, and the basics, like how to park and lock a LimeBike.
The response time to customer service calls or emails has typically been within the required 2-hour window during operating hours. Every 1-2 days, the ground team sweeps East Oakland and the surrounding areas to locate LimeBikes that have ventured off-island.
LimeBike continues to fine-tune their operations to increase ridership and maintain a good bike presence. In November, many bikes were upgraded from three to eight gears, making for an easier ride. LimeBike is also working with the City to find ways to reduce any impacts of their bikes taking up limited rack space for personal bikes. And, they have agreed to help distribute helmets to those under 18, and provide education through the schools on the importance of wearing helmets.
Report problems with bikes directly to LimeBike at 1-888-LIME-345, text 1-888-546-3345, or email support@limebike.com.
Share feedback about this pilot bike share program with the City of Alameda by email at BikeSharePilot@alamedaca.gov.
Read a just-posted Frequently Asked Questions document and get additional information on the City’s web page at www.alamedaca.gov/bikeshare.
If you have not tried LimeBike yet, get started by downloading the free LimeBike app on your smartphone. The app and LimeBike’s customer service are available in English, Spanish, and Chinese. You will see where the bikes are deployed across Alameda and can use the app to unlock a bike and get LimeBiking. Alameda’s perfect weather makes LimeBiking possible year-round!
