PaCMan, Pedestrian and Cycle Manitou Springs, is excited to announce that PikeRide ebike share has come to our community! Three stations are planned as a pilot for the first year to include stations currently in place at Schryver Park and the Beckers and Manitou Avenue Econo Lodge parking lot, and eventually a third location at Hiawatha Gardens. To observe the occasion, PikeRide and the Manitou Springs Creative District invite the community to a launch celebration on July 30th from 10 – 11:30 a.m. at Schryver Park.
What is PikeRide? PikeRide is a local nonprofit 501(c)3 offering electric bike share. Our mission is to elevate our community with a fun, healthy, planet friendly and cost-effective way to get around. It is a convenient, efficient, and healthy way to encourage locals and visitors to take short trips by bike, while making bicycling more accessible. Users simply download the PikeRide app on their smart phone and set up an account to get started. PikeRide operates more than 40 hubs with 250 bikes—all within a flexible dock less network.
PikeRide expands the traditional bike share model by offering electrically assisted bikes that reduce the effort needed to navigate Manitou Springs’ hilly terrain. Classified as Class 1 eBikes, PikeRide bikes offer pedal assist up to 15mph and can be used on roadways, in bike lanes, and on urban trails such as the Creek Walk and Midland Trails.
How much does it cost? PikeRide offers several different pricing structures including: Pay As You Go ($1 to start then .015/minute), Monthly pass ($35), Annual pass ($150) and a WeRide pass ($20). All three passes offer 90 minutes of ride time per day and the WeRide is for anyone experiencing financial hardship. More details about the WeRide pass and how to apply can be found at www.pikeride.org. PikeRide bikes can be ridden within the Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs city limits, but must be parked within the PikeRide service area which is indicated in the app. PikeRide bikes must be secured to a public rack or post when not in use to avoid fines. Trips ended outside of a PikeRide hub accrue a $1 convenience fee.
PikeRide ebike share offers a new transportation option to both visitors and residents. Benefits include reducing traffic, congestion, and pollution—to include Manitou’s carbon footprint, improving convenience and community health, and offering better access to bicycling both for transportation and recreation. Bike share also completes the final leg for those traveling by car or bus. It has been demonstrated that more people on bikes create safer streets for all users. It is proven that bike share has significant economic impact on cities as well. Bike share attracts more customers to nearby business and bike users are more likely to spend money within four blocks of a bike share hub. Bike share users spend considerably less time finding parking and more time patronizing nearby business. Cyclists also have more frequent interaction at businesses than those who drive cars, ultimately spending more money.
Come join us on July 30th to try out and use PikeRide share bikes as we celebrate this wonderful opportunity! Please visit www.pikeride.org to sign up for a membership.