LimeBike bike-sharing launches first Arizona program in Scottsdale | Integrity Garage Doors of Phoenix

[ad_1]

The latest evolution in bike-share programs gained its first Arizona foothold in Scottsdale.

LimeBike launched Tuesday with 150 bikes placed throughout the city and plans to expand in the coming months, LimeBike spokeswoman Mary Caroline Pruitt said.

Unlike the Grid Bike Share program in Phoenix, Tempe and Mesa, LimeBike is a dockless share system that relies on GPS.

“Other existing bike-share networks have fixed docking stations. That costs cities a lot of money to maintain and operate, with stations so few and far between,” Pruitt said.

“LimeBike eliminates the docking stations, creating a broad (sic) distributed system that comes at no cost for the city,” she said.

MORE: Scottsdale’s best biking paths

LimeBike looks to offer a low-cost option for visitors looking to move throughout the city and explore its downtown district, Experience Scottsdale President and CEO Rachel Sacco said.

“Bike-share programs have become increasingly popular in cities around the world, including in cities that Scottsdale regularly competes with for leisure travelers and group business,” she said.

To celebrate Scottsdale’s launch, riders can use the code “HELLOAZ” for 10 free rides until the end of the month.

Want to give LimeBike a spin? Here’s what to know.

Where are the bikes located?

Scottsdale residents and visitors can find bikes near parks, government buildings, employment hubs, bus stops, residences, and other places around the city, according to Pruitt.

Many of the bikes will be initially placed around Old Town and ASU Skysong.

When bikes become concentrated in one place over time, Pruitt said a mobile ops team will re-balance the bikes throughout the city.

How do you pick up a bike?

You can find a bike at near you through the LimeBike app. The bright green bikes are equipped with GPS, wireless technology and self-activating locks.

Scan a code on the bike with the app and it unlocks. When done, park it and shut the lock on the back wheel. After completing a ride, the app provides users with a trip summary.

Where can I park it?

Anyone operating a bike is responsible for where it’s parked and must leave it legally parked. You should park only at bike racks or areas that are designated for bike parking.

“Dockless bike shares work if we all take responsibility and park in places that are safe and don’t block traffic and pedestrian access,” Pruitt said.

Someone who discovers a bike left in an unsafe or illegal location can contact the bike share company or the Scottsdale Police Department if it presents an immediate safety hazard, city spokesman Kelly Corsette said.

How much does it cost?

It’s $1 per 30-minute ride. For students with a valid .edu email address, rides cost 50 cents per 30-minute time block. The deal applies to school faculty and staff as well.

There is a LimePrime package at $29.95 per month for 100 rides. The price for LimePrime Students is $14.95 per month for 100 rides.

Enter credit card information into the app and purchase credits for future rides. To get started, deposit as little as $5. You can earn free rides the more money you deposit in your LimeBike wallet.

Deposits are refundable if you decide not to ride, according to LimeBIke’s website.

How much does LimeBike cost the city?

Zero.

Because the dockless system doesn’t require bike racks to station the bikes, there is no public investment to operate.

LimeBike is fully responsible for the operation and repair of its fleet. Users are encouraged to report maintenance issues through the app.

“That’s why we are so unique,” Pruitt said. “We incorporate easily into Scottsdale’s existing transportation model and greatly reduce carbon footprints.”

Scottsdale is considering launching a bike-share program and becoming the fourth Valley city to do so, but they may not use the popular Grid Bike Share service.
Wochit