San Antonio to launch Downtown Bicycle Sharing, Rental, and Tours Program

Today, City Council approved the establishment of a bicycle sharing, rentals and tours program to augment alternative and "active" transportation choices in the downtown area. The initial program will consist of 140 bikes at 14 locations supported by a "central hub" and is expected to serve both residents and visitors.

Popularized in Europe and Asia where there are more than 50 cities with a public bike sharing system, San Antonio follows on the heels of three other North American cities that have launched bike sharing systems in the past year – Montreal in the summer of 2009, and Mexico City and Denver in the spring of 2010.

"Bike sharing is yet another downtown amenity the city is adding to enhance fitness, improve the quality of life and to encourage commerce and residential living in the urban core," Mayor Julián Castro said.

The program is being overseen by the City's Office of Environmental Policy, and seed money is coming from stimulus funds through the Department of Energy and Centers for Disease Control.

"San Antonio is the perfect city to launch a bike share system with our great weather, relatively flat terrain, and many fun and interesting destinations that are easy to get to on a bike," said City Manager Sheryl Sculley.

"This program is a win-win for everyone because it will help improve the environment, reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, and encourage people to be more physically active," said Laurence Doxsey, Director, Office of Environmental Policy.

San Antonio Bike Share, a non-profit, is being formed to oversee the operation, which will be locally operated and maintained by Bike World. B-Cycle, the same system being used in Denver, will be supplying the bike share system. Riders can choose to purchase an annual membership or pay as they go. The system is designed so that users can pick up a bike at a conveniently placed kiosk and drop it at any other B-Cycle station. The bikes will be equipped with RFID chips and computers to track mileage, calories burned and carbon offsets. Eventually, riders can monitor their personal fitness, see their contribution to the City's green efforts, and connect with others on a system-wide website.

For more information, call Julia Diana, Senior Management Analyst for Sustainable Transportation, Office of Environmental Policy at 207-6321.