A group has launched a project to explore the feasibility of implementing a bike share program in Memphis.
Bike share systems offer on-demand rentals of bicycle throughout cities from a network of bike stations.
The effort for a bike share program in Memphis is called Explore Bike Share and is being led by Doug Carpenter & Associates, a public relations and marketing firm.
“This exploration phase of a bike share program is critical to responding to a clear need for active transportation resources,” Carpenter said in a statement. “With the right kind of planning and investment now, we can understand how to make its abundant benefits available to a large part of our community, regardless of their socio-economic status.”
This week the firm will begin a series of community input sessions. The first session will be on Thursday, June 4 at 6:30 p.m. at Revolutions Bike Co-op (1000 Cooper).
Here are the details on the following meetings:
• June 9, 6:00 p.m.: Orange Mound Community Center (2572 Park)
• June 10, 5:30 p.m.: Bridges (477 N 5th)
• June 18, 6:00 p.m.: National Civil Rights Museum (450 Mulberry)
• June 19, 6:00 p.m.: Binghampton Development Corporation (280 Tillman)
• June 23, 6:00 p.m.: Caritas Village (2509 Harvard)
• June 29, 6:00 p.m.: Christian Brothers University in the Montesi Conference Room (650 East Parkway)
• July 1, 11:30 a.m.: University of Memphis in the University Center’s Shelby Room (499 University)
• July 2, 6:00 p.m.: Saint Andrew A.M.E. Church (867 South Parkway)
Here’s how Explore Bike Share explains how bike share programs work and how one may work here:
“Users can pay per ride or may hold ‘all-you-can-ride’ memberships of varying lengths. These can be purchased online, on-site via credit card or at partner locations that process cash payments. The bicycles themselves are designed to be safe for riders of various abilities, adaptable to a range of street conditions, and easy to service.”
For more information go to explorebikeshare.com or to the group’s Facebook page.