New bike share program launches in Kitchener-Waterloo

A newcommunity bike share program officially launches in Waterloo Regiontoday.

Run by The Working Centre in downtown Kitchener, the Community Access Bikeshare Program currently has three stations, eleven bikes and is accepting members.

Bikesharehas been two years and one pilot program in the making. Coordinator Adrian Underhill said the program provides another transportation option to local residents.

"I see it as one piece of how you might get around a city," said Underhill in an interview. "Its not going to be the single solution for all your transportation needs, but were excited for how it will integrate with other forms of transportation. "

Underhill said the program was designed to be as easy as possible. Members only have to pay one fee when they join for the entire season. With their membership card, members can access a bicycle at any of the official Bikeshare stations. All bicycles must be returned to a Bikeshare station after use.

There are three stations that are currently open at the Sun Life Financial building in Waterloo at the Caroline Street entrance, atthe Charles Street Bus Terminal, andat the regional council building on Frederick Street.

Hours of accessibility vary according to the station.

'Comfortable for everyone'

Underhill said the program will open more stations, including one at Kitchener City Hall,andmake morebikes availableuntil the Bikeshare season ends in November.

"We have the capability of responding to demand. Were building up bikes as we go," Underhill said.

"I dont envision us limiting the amount of members that we take this season, but we will likely continue adding bikes into the system as we register members. We dont want to have a lot of bikes out there, doing nothing. "

Underhill said the programs Kona bikes are appropriate for riders of all sizes and experience.

"Theyre kind of like a cruiser frame, so theyre comfortable for everyone," said Underhill.

"They each have a back pedal brake, fenders and a basket. So its the kind of bike thats really going to comfortable for someone whos big, small, someone whos comfortable riding a bike, someone whos not."

Underhill adds that there are many advantages to joining the Bikeshare program instead of owning a bike. He said members save on storage space and dont have to worry about bicycle maintenance.

This year, membership will cost $30 from now until mid-November. Next years membership will be priced higher, sinceBikeshare will open earlier, in mid-April.

Heres how the Bikeshare program works:

1. Those 16 years of age and overcan sign up onThe Working Centrewebsite, or in person at 58 Queen St. S.in Kitchener.

2. Receive a membership card.

3. Members go to a designated Bikeshare station, where an electronic key-box can be found inside the building.

4. Swipe the electronic key-box and enter a PIN number to open.

5. Take one key from the box.

6. The key will have a number on it, corresponding to a bike.

7. Unlock the bike, take the bike lock with you and away you go.

8. Return bike, lock and key to any station after use.