Two companies are rolling out dockless bikes as a part of a pilot bike-sharing program in the Rockaways, the city’s Department of Transportation announced on Friday.
Starting immediately, riders can use the Lime or Pace mobile apps to rent bicycles all along the Rockaway peninsula. This is the first time that a community outside Citi Bike’s service area is experiencing a bike share program.
“There is no more fitting place in New York City to rollout our dockless bikes than the Rockaways,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said. “Residents and visitors alike will now find the Rockaways’ world-class beaches, restaurants and other attractions more accessible than ever.”
For the pilot program, Pace will offer a total of 200 bicycles available within a week while Lime offers 100 regular bikes, available as of July 13, and 100 pedal-assist bikes after July 28.
To use the bike share program, riders must download the Lime app or the Pace app. Each company will rent the bikes for $1 for a 30 minute ride, with Lime’s pedal-assist bikes costing $1 to unlock and then $.15/minute thereafter.
Riders must remain within the Rockaway pilot area when they rent the bikes. Each app will provide instructions regarding locking the bikes when riders are finished.
During the program, the DOT will evaluate the companies’ compliance with requirements around data accessibility and user privacy. In addition to determining the bike’s availability, durability and safety, the DOT will determine future steps for the program.
“We are thrilled to kick off DOT’s dockless pilot today with the arrival of Lime and Pace bikes in the Rockaways,” said DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg. “At 10 miles long, the Rockaway Peninsula offers tremendous opportunities – for sun, recreation, delicious food and so much more – but distances are often just too long to walk. With a dockless bike, the miles from Jacob Riis Park to the A train or from the NYC Ferry dock to one of many great restaurants will seem so much more conquerable and fun. I for one cannot wait to explore those miles on a dockless bike.”
For more information about New York City’s bike share system, visit www.nyc.gov/bikeshare.
