Last month, OCTA kicked off public beta testing for BikeShare, the bike sharing pilot program that provides commuters with a convenient, healthy and emissions-free transportation option in Fullerton. The program is off to a steady start, with more than 170 miles logged by riders using the BikeShare system in the first month.
There are currently 10 BikeShare stations where bikes can be checked out and returned, including Fullerton City Hall, Fullerton Transportation Center, the SOCO parking structure, College Plaza shopping center, First Christian Church, Fullerton College and four locations at Cal State Fullerton. OCTA plans to add more stations in the area later this year.
Annual memberships –$75 for regular members and $45 for students – are the best value for frequent users. In addition to saving money, the annual membership allows access to an online dashboard that tracks mileage, calories burned, and estimated environmental emission reductions. Those who purchase an annual membership by Tuesday, April 1, 2014 will be entered into a raffle for an iPad Mini, Giro Reverb Helmet and other prizes.
Short-term BikeShare passes for one day or one week also are available.
Access passes and memberships allow an unlimited number of trips 30 minutes or less, making them ideal for short trips around the city. Bike rides lasting longer than 30 minutes will incur an overtime charge per 30 minutes. Fees range from $2 to $5 per 30 minutes, depending on the type of access pass a user has and how long he or she keeps the bike beyond the first 30 minutes. Bikes can be docked at any BikeShare station and users receive a receipt via e-mail when their bike is docked and locked.
Station maps and real-time bicycle availability information are available at the kiosks where bikes are accessed. Real-time bike availability information is also online.
Irvine-based Bike Nation is operating the pilot program through a contract with OCTA. The bikes are designed for safety and ease of use and include a bright white frame, reflective tire sidewalls, magnetically powered front and rear lights, a bell and puncture-resistant tires.
The launch of BikeShare is part of OCTA’s continued efforts to improve mobility and close the gaps between commuters’ starting points and their final destinations, the so-called first and last miles.
Fullerton was chosen to pilot the program because the two-square mile area includes a Metrolink station, a downtown business area and three college and university campuses. Data gathered during the pilot program will help OCTA understand the larger benefits if the program were expanded to other parts of Orange County.
For more information on the BikeShare program, visit octa.net/bikeshare.
Monday, February 17, 2014