Boise Bike Share - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the bikes like?
While a vendor hasn’t been selected yet, the bikes will be similar to systems currently in use in other cities around the country. Salt Lake City’s GREENbike system uses bikes and stations made by BCycle, a division of Trek Corporation (see photo above). They are durable one-size-fits-most bikes designed specifically for bike share systems. The bikes allow ordinary people, wearing regular clothes, carrying ordinary stuff to easily ride from one place to another. The bikes will have multiple gears, fenders and a front basket. They will also have chain and skirt guards to prevent clothing from getting tangled in the chain or wheels.
How does the system work?
Most bike share systems work with a network of stations with bikes locked into docking stations. A membership card allows users to release a bike and start their trip. Once the user reaches her destination she puts the bike back in an available docking station and walks away.
The bikes are equipped with GPS tracking, allowing the system to know where the bikes are, but also providing feedback to the rider through an optional online profile. From the system website users will be able to track the number of calories burned, miles ridden and pounds of pollutants kept out of the atmosphere.
How much will membership cost?
Most systems around the country are charging about $5 for a daily membership, $15 for a weekly membership and $75 for an annual membership. Membership provides you with unlimited 30-minute rides. We expect the cost will be similar in Boise.
Where are the stations going to be located?
A steering committee of the Boise Bike Share program has tentatively selected locations for the stations. (See map). These are only suggested locations. The goal is to try and keep stations close enough so that users would not have to walk too far to find a bike, or to find an open docking station if returning a bike. Consideration was also given to access to transit, employment and residential density and attractions, like Boise State University, museums, parks and the Greenbelt.
When will the system be available?
We hope to have Boise Bike Share available by spring or summer of 2014. The system will be rolled out in two phases, with approximately half the system (70 bikes) being made available in 2014 and the remainder the following year.
Can I ride the bikes at night?
Yes, every bike will be equipped with front and rear lights that are always on when the bike is moving, making it safer to ride at night. While service hours for the Bike Share program have not been established, we expect the bikes will be available 24 hours a day.
Where did the money for the system come from?
The Boise Bike Share proposal was reviewed by the local metropolitan planning organization – COMPASS – and tentatively approved for funding in two phases. Half of the money needed to purchase the bikes, stations and other supporting equipment is coming from federal transportation alternatives dollars; the other half of the funding is coming from the federal Surface Transportation Program (STP). Operational dollars will have to come from membership sales, sponsorships and advertising on the bikes and stations.
Who is going to run Boise Bike Share?
Boise Bike Share will be a division of Valley Regional Transit because it is a form of transit. This will allow a seamless integration with other transit options and provide one-stop-shopping for the riding public on all forms of public transportation. Boise Bike Share will have an advisory board made up of community stakeholders, like the City of Boise, Boise State University, etc.
Do I have to wear a helmet?
We strongly recommend that all Bike Share riders use helmets, but it won’t be a requirement. When you become a member or with casual (daily or weekly) membership you will be asked to sign a disclaimer acknowledging that you have been advised to use a helmet. If you choose not to use a helmet, you are releasing the system from liability if you are injured.
We hope to be able to offer discounts on helmet purchases for members through local bike shops.
Where do I sign up?
Right now we are just collecting information from those interested in becoming members. Once we have a vendor in place we will formally open the process to membership. Please fill out the online form with your contact information and we’ll be happy to let you know when you can become an official member of Boise Bike Share.
What are the bikes like?
While a vendor hasn’t been selected yet, the bikes will be similar to systems currently in use in other cities around the country. Salt Lake City’s GREENbike system uses bikes and stations made by BCycle, a division of Trek Corporation (see photo above). They are durable one-size-fits-most bikes designed specifically for bike share systems. The bikes allow ordinary people, wearing regular clothes, carrying ordinary stuff to easily ride from one place to another. The bikes will have multiple gears, fenders and a front basket. They will also have chain and skirt guards to prevent clothing from getting tangled in the chain or wheels.
How does the system work?
Most bike share systems work with a network of stations with bikes locked into docking stations. A membership card allows users to release a bike and start their trip. Once the user reaches her destination she puts the bike back in an available docking station and walks away.
The bikes are equipped with GPS tracking, allowing the system to know where the bikes are, but also providing feedback to the rider through an optional online profile. From the system website users will be able to track the number of calories burned, miles ridden and pounds of pollutants kept out of the atmosphere.
How much will membership cost?
Most systems around the country are charging about $5 for a daily membership, $15 for a weekly membership and $75 for an annual membership. Membership provides you with unlimited 30-minute rides. We expect the cost will be similar in Boise.
Where are the stations going to be located?
A steering committee of the Boise Bike Share program has tentatively selected locations for the stations. (See map). These are only suggested locations. The goal is to try and keep stations close enough so that users would not have to walk too far to find a bike, or to find an open docking station if returning a bike. Consideration was also given to access to transit, employment and residential density and attractions, like Boise State University, museums, parks and the Greenbelt.
When will the system be available?
We hope to have Boise Bike Share available by spring or summer of 2014. The system will be rolled out in two phases, with approximately half the system (70 bikes) being made available in 2014 and the remainder the following year.
Can I ride the bikes at night?
Yes, every bike will be equipped with front and rear lights that are always on when the bike is moving, making it safer to ride at night. While service hours for the Bike Share program have not been established, we expect the bikes will be available 24 hours a day.
Where did the money for the system come from?
The Boise Bike Share proposal was reviewed by the local metropolitan planning organization – COMPASS – and tentatively approved for funding in two phases. Half of the money needed to purchase the bikes, stations and other supporting equipment is coming from federal transportation alternatives dollars; the other half of the funding is coming from the federal Surface Transportation Program (STP). Operational dollars will have to come from membership sales, sponsorships and advertising on the bikes and stations.
Who is going to run Boise Bike Share?
Boise Bike Share will be a division of Valley Regional Transit because it is a form of transit. This will allow a seamless integration with other transit options and provide one-stop-shopping for the riding public on all forms of public transportation. Boise Bike Share will have an advisory board made up of community stakeholders, like the City of Boise, Boise State University, etc.
Do I have to wear a helmet?
We strongly recommend that all Bike Share riders use helmets, but it won’t be a requirement. When you become a member or with casual (daily or weekly) membership you will be asked to sign a disclaimer acknowledging that you have been advised to use a helmet. If you choose not to use a helmet, you are releasing the system from liability if you are injured.
We hope to be able to offer discounts on helmet purchases for members through local bike shops.
Where do I sign up?
Right now we are just collecting information from those interested in becoming members. Once we have a vendor in place we will formally open the process to membership. Please fill out the online form with your contact information and we’ll be happy to let you know when you can become an official member of Boise Bike Share.