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The Phoenix City Council awarded a contract for a new bike share program at its formal city council [on Wednesday]. The winning bidder, CycleHop, LLC, will begin the process of implementing a system of short-term rentable bicycles, which is expected to be in operation by December, 2013.
Photo courtesy of City of Phoenix.
During the first year of the contract, CycleHop, LLC will establish and operate a bike share network that will include up to 500 bicycles throughout the city of Phoenix. Access to the network can be obtained by making a reservation via the internet or a mobile device. Short-term bike share users will pay about $5 to access the system for the first hour and then pay $2 for each additional half-hour period, with a daily maximum rate of $25. Annual members will pay less to access the system, with similar rates after the first hour of use.
“Phoenix deserves to be one of the most bike-friendly places in the country, and this new partnership is a great next step,” said Mayor Greg Stanton. “By developing this bike share program, we’re reminding residents and visitors alike that traveling on two wheels is a great way to see what Phoenix has to offer.”
The bicycles provided as part of the bike share program will use a GPS-enabled locking mechanism designed to connect with special hub locations. The bikes also will be able to lock at traditional bike racks if necessary.
