Ridership in Rochester’s Bike Share program is at an all-time high. So far this year, bikes have been checked out more than 360 times, and organizers are already planning exciting changes for next year. The program allows anyone to borrow a bike, free of charge, from May to mid-October. This year, there are about 30 bikes available at three locations in downtown Rochester. Organizers also added a new electric-assist cargo bike to the fleet this year, available to borrow at the Rochester Public Library.
“We are extremely pleased at the response we’ve had to the bike program,” said Keri Ostby, Head of Technical Services at Rochester Public Library and We Bike Rochester Board Member. “Though the bikes are used for recreation purposes by residents and visitors, they are often used as transportation for getting to work and shopping. The electric-assist Radpower Cargo bike is in high demand with the most common uses for the e-bike being errands, work travel, and appointments.”
Beyond heavy usage from community members, visitors from states like North Carolina, Michigan, and Washington, and from countries, including Pakistan, Mexico, and India have made use of the program.
“The Bike Share program in Rochester gives people more opportunities to get outdoors and be active and provides another option for community members to make the trips they need to make, often in a more convenient way,” said Kevin Bright, Energy and Sustainability Director at the Destination Medical Center Economic Development Agency (DMC EDA). “Choosing to bike rather than drive can also save money and reduce carbon footprint.”
After seeing the community’s response, some additions are being planned for next year. A second electric cargo bike is set to be added in response to the popularity of the first. Plans for a bike fix-it station are also in the works.
Cassy Greenwood, Olmsted County Public Health
Keeley Hruska, Experience Rochester
Kevin Bright, DMC Economic Development Agency
Jaymi Wilson, City of Rochester
Amanda Holloway, Mayo Clinic
Ben Boldt, Rochester Parks and Recreation
Matt Lynch, We Bike Rochester
Bike Share partner organizations include DMC EDA, City of Rochester, Rochester Public Library, Experience Rochester, We Bike Rochester, People’s Food Co-Op, Mayo Clinic, and Olmsted County Public Health.
Bikes are available at these locations:
- Rochester Public Library
- See hours here
- Peace Plaza
- Monday-Friday, 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
- Rochester City Hall, Parks and Recreation
- Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.