Fort Collins and Zagster launch new bike share program for residents
Monday April 4, 2016 0 comments
FORT COLLINS -- Already one of the nation's top cycling cities, Fort Collins just became even more bike-friendly. 
Building off the success of the city's existing bike library, the City of Fort Collins, Bike Fort Collins and the national bike-sharing company Zagster have launched a new and expansive Fort Collins Bike Share.
An inaugural ribbon-cutting ceremony was held April 1 at the Downtown Transit Center followed by a group ride with Mayor Wade Troxell and City Manager Darin Atteberry.
The bike-share program includes 79 cruiser bikes available at 13 locations around the city for riders to check out for on-demand, local trips. Anyone can ride by purchasing a daily, weekly or annual pass.
Rides up to one half hour are free for all pass-holders, with rides above one half hour costing $2 per hour. Passes can be purchased for $7 for 24 hours, $15 for one week and $60 for one year.
"We are excited to combine the ease and convenience of an automated bike share system with local staffing from Bike Fort Collins," said Amy Lewin, senior transportation planner for the City of Fort Collins. "This unique model will increase the accessibility of both bicycling and public transit, while further strengthening the Fort Collins bicycle culture."
The program is made possible through sponsorships from the City of Fort Collins FC Bikes Program, Kaiser Permanente, New Belgium Brewing Company, Associates in Family Medicine, Odell Brewing Company and University of Colorado Health.
"This public-private partnership enables cities like Fort Collins to have the amenities of major metropolitan areas without the burdensome costs and complexities," said Timothy Ericson, co-founder and CEO of Zagster.
"We are really excited to be able to play an integral role in helping to grow and improve access to cycling in this bike-loving city."
A seed grant from Kaiser Permanente Northern Colorado provided funding for the research and planning that led to the development of the Fort Collins Bike Share Business plan, and ultimately the creation of the bike-share program.
"Kaiser Permanente has a long-standing tradition of investment in the communities that we serve related to healthy eating, active living, education and community enrichment," said Jason Tacha, executive director of operations for Kaiser Permanente Northern Colorado. "We are thrilled to continue our sponsorship of this successful project."
Unlike other programs in which riders must drop off bikes at designated stations for every stop during a reservation, Zagster's program in Fort Collins gives users the freedom to ride as long as they want, wherever they want.
Bikes can be found via an online map at www.zagster.com/fortcollins or through the free Zagster Mobile App -- available for iPhone and Android.
Each bike has a unique number that riders enter into the app to obtain a single-use code to open a lockbox on the back of the bike. (Alternatively, a rider can obtain the unlock code via text message.)
A key in the lockbox allows the bike to be locked and unlocked throughout a ride. After the rider returns a bike to a designated Zagster bike station, the rental ends and the bike is available for the next person to enjoy.
The Fort Collins Bike Share features the Zagster 8, an award-winning bike known for its practical design, comfortable ride and easy handling. The bike includes a spacious basket that's perfect for carrying groceries, takeout or personal belongings.
Because rider safety is a priority, every bike includes automatic powered lights, a bell and full reflectors.
Zagster's unique business model lowers the cost to Fort Collins and offers the city a complete and modular system. Zagster manages all aspects of the bike-sharing program -- from bikes and technology, to maintenance and marketing -- ensuring that Fort Collins always has the latest software and hardware.
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