Bike share launches in Orlando today with Buddy on a bike

HEY YOU GUYS!!!! The city has been abuzz with new transportation options lately, but minus the Uber and Lyft drama, we almost forgot about the bike sharing system that we reported on last year. Worry not, two-wheeling wunderkind; everything is launching tomorrow! Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer will kick the top-heavy festivities off tomorrow at 2 p.m. with a ribbon cutting and then some wobbly riding, we’re told. It’s all in the name of our favorite term, “soft opening,” but eventually there will be 20 stops at which you can rent and return your wheelings for dealings. Below are all the details provided by the city (things have changed since our last foray into this subject, apparently in the direction of greater expense). At any rate, it’s gorgeous out, and you should probably lose those holiday love handles. HAPPY BIKING, CRAZY PEOPLE IN A TOWN KNOWN FOR PEDESTRIAN TERROR. You have been warned and informed.

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer Launches Bike Share Program in Downtown Orlando

WHAT:
On Friday, January 9, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer will join with City Commissioners; Program Sponsors, OUC and Florida Hospital; and Cyclehop to celebrate the launch of the Orlando Bike Share program. After the ribbon cutting ceremony, Mayor Dyer will be the first person to rent a bike and take a ride in Downtown Orlando.

Downtown Orlando’s new Bike Share program will increase mobility in the urban core, connect to existing transit such as LYMMO and SunRail and provide another affordable transportation option. The first phase of Bike Share includes 20 bicycles at four different locations, OUC Reliable Plaza, Skyhouse, Gertrude’s Walk and Lake Eola Park.

An additional 16 stations are planned for the second phase, which will provide 180 more bicycles by the spring of 2015 for a total of 200 bicycles at 20 stations throughout Downtown Orlando.

The bicycles can be picked up and dropped off at different stations or anywhere in Downtown through the use of GPS technology. Additionally this bike share system will allow users, through the free Social Bicycles app, to see where bicycles are located, place a bicycle on hold and rent the bicycle.

WHEN:
Friday, January 9, 2015
2:00 p.m.

WHERE:
OUC Reliable Plaza
100 West Anderson Street

Parking will be available in the City Commons Parking Garage at 460 Boone Avenue. Parking validation will be provided at the ribbon cutting. 

Orlando Bike Share
Fact Sheet

www.orlandobikeshare.com

About Orlando Bike Share:
Downtown Orlando’s new Bike Share program will increase mobility in the urban core, connect to existing transit such as LYMMO and SunRail and provide another affordable transportation option.

The bicycles can be picked up and dropped off at different stations or anywhere in Downtown through the use of GPS technology. Additionally this bike share system will allow users, through the free Social Bicycles app, to see where bicycles are located, place a bicycle on hold and rent the bicycle.

Orlando Bike Share Stations:
• Stations consist of bicycles, racks and a kiosk
• Majority of the stations are located within the Downtown Orlando CRA and Main Street Districts
• 20 station locations include:(see Orlando Bike Share map for more detail)
o Soft Opening:
1. OUC
2. Gertrude’s Walk
3. Skyhouse
4. Lake Eola
o Full System:
1. Orlando City Hall
2. College Park Publix
3. City View Station
4. Orlando Public Library
5. Amelia Street
6. North Orange
7. Rosalind Avenue
8. Thornton Park
9. Amtrak Station
10. College Park
11. Orange County Administration
12. Ivanhoe Village
13. Florida Hospital
14. Gateway Center
15. South Street
16. Mills 50

Cost:
• $5/hour (Pay As You Go): 60 minutes of riding time.
• $15/month (Monthly Basic): 60 minutes of free riding every day.
• $20/month (Monthly Plus): 120 minutes of free riding every day.
• $2: Fee for returning a bike anywhere other than a hub station/rack.
• $25: Fee for returning a bike outside of the system area.
• $5/hour: Overtime fee

Schedule:
• January 9, 2015: The first phase of Orlando Bike Share includes 20 bicycles at four different locations.
• March 31, 2015: An additional 16 stations will be added as part of the second phase, which will provide 180 more bicycles for a total of 200 bicycles at 20 stations throughout Downtown Orlando.

Orlando Bike Share Features:
• LCD Screen and Key Pad
• Solar and Rider Powered
• Integrated Lock and Holster
• GPS-Enabled Computer
• Adjustable Seat Height
• Chainless Drive, No Grease
• 3 Speeds, Grip Bell, Brakes
• Handy Basket and Headlight
• Mobile App with Mapping

How to Use Bike Share:
• Reserve: Find and reserve a bike using the free mobile Social Bicycles app, the website at orlandobikeshare.com or at the bike using its keypad. A 4-digit PIN code will be provided.
• Release: Unlock a bike by entering the 4-digit PIN code on the keypad to unlock the bike.
• Ride: Holster the U-Bar lock and the bike is ready for use. To make a stop, press the “HOLD” button and lock the bike to a rack. Then enter the 4-digit PIN to unlock and continue riding.
• Return: To end a trip, just lock the bike at one of the bike share stations hubs or at any regular bike rack for a small additional fee.

Bike Sharing Program Map 01-7-15