Bike Sharing is an innovative transportation program providing ideal short distance, point-to-point, simple-to-use bikes for moving around the city. It allows users to pick up a bicycle at any self-serve bike station and return it to any bike station in the system’s service area. In Columbus, these stations will be located throughout downtown in relative close proximity to each other (about 1/3 mile apart), allowing for easy access and maximum use. The Columbus Bike Share program starts with 30 stations, each with an average of 10 bikes, a total start-up of 300 bikes.
 
“This will be a fun, healthy, affordable and green way for our residents to get around Columbus. We've already made Columbus one of the best biking cities in the nation, and this is another big step toward making us even better."
-- Mayor Michael B. Coleman

 
Using a swipe card, the automated system will feature yearly memberships, single-day uses, and 3-day passes, all of which can be easily purchased at a station or online. Each time a member uses a bike, the first 30 minutes are free, followed by incremental charges each half hour thereafter. Long and short term memberships will be available to fit the daily, occasional, or visiting user. You can choose from yearly memberships, a weekend, or even just a day. Annual members get a small key fob device that unlocks the bike at any station. Walk-up users will be able sign up with a credit card at any kiosk and given a code for every use of a bike. Then you can use the bike for as many trips as you want within the limit of your membership. It’s ideal for short trips that are 30 minutes or less.

 
The bikes will be an aluminum step-through frame that is light, strong and durable. Easily adjustable seating, active lighting, front mounted luggage carrier, fenders, and puncture resistant tires making the bikes efficient and easy to use.

There are some great ways you can help bring bike sharing into your community. We will be seeking sponsors to help expand and improve the reach of the system. You can provide your employees memberships or discounts to use the system, maybe sponsor a station and display your logo as a grass roots supporter, create special offers or events to engage the community, or provide an amenity for your tenants. Contact us for further information at BikeShare@columbus.gov!