Sep 10

Sep 10 Rochester re-launches pilot bike share program

News | 2018

Bike sharing will return to Rochester for the fall.

A group of stakeholders — made up of representatives from the City of Rochester, Destination Medical Center, Experience Rochester, Olmsted County Public Health, Mayo Clinic and Rochester Public Library — have come up with a plan to get the Nice Ride bikes back on the streets.

Beginning this week, about 40 bikes will be available for rent at a half dozen locations in Rochester (compared to two under the previous model). The bikes, which will be rolled back out this week, will be free to use.

“This new pilot program will help build on the success of the bike share program in Rochester from previous years,” said Kevin Bright, DMC’s sustainability director. The re-launched program, added Bright, aligns with DMC plans, which call for bike-sharing as part of a long-term strategy.

In addition to having the bikes available for use, the host sites will collect feedback as a part of the pilot program. According to the city, results of the program will be key to designing an expanded program in future years.

Local bike share service was originally introduced in 2016 as a way for visitors and residents to get around town on two wheels. But as we reported in June, recent changes to Nice Ride's operations in the Twin Cities forced Rochester to come up with its own plan for the orange bikes.

Jenna Bowman, the city’s communications and engagement manager, said Monday the bikes will likely remain out through late October or early November, depending on the weather.