Aurora Launches Downtown Bike-Share Program
The city of Aurora and Zagster, Inc. today (Thursday, June 30, 2016) launched a bike-share program that will provide Aurora residents and visitors with a convenient, affordable and healthy way to get around town.
Just in time for the holiday weekend, 18 cruiser bikes are available at three downtown stations for riders to use for on-demand, local trips. Stations are located at three sites:
- RiverEdge Park, 360 Broadway Ave.
- Aurora City Hall, 44 E. Downer Place
- Santori Public Library of Aurora, 101 S. River St.
“We are excited about this partnership with Zagster, Inc. that will benefit the Aurora community,” said Aurora Mayor Tom Weisner. “Aurora aims to be a bicycle friendly community and we are taking another step — or ride — in that direction through the Zagster Bike-Share Program. This initiative creates new opportunities for residents and visitors to experience our city from a different vantage point and see Aurora in a whole new light.”
Aurora has invested in downtown bicycle paths.
Riders join the program by signing up for daily, monthly or seasonal passes. Rides are free for the first hour, and then $1 per hour after that. Riders must be 18 or older.
Bikes can be found via the free Zagster Mobile App available for iPhone and Android or online at zagster.com/Aurora-IL. Each bike has a unique number which riders enter into the app to obtain a single-use code to open the lockbox on the back of the bike. (Alternatively, riders can obtain unlock codes via text message.) A key, stored inside and tethered to the lockbox, allows the bike to be locked and unlocked throughout a ride. After the rider returns the bike to a designated Zagster bike station, the rental ends and the bike is available for the next person to enjoy.
Aurora’s bike-share features the Zagster 8, an award-winning bike known for its practical design, comfortable ride and easy handling. The bike includes a spacious basket that’s perfect for carrying groceries, takeout or personal belongings. And because rider safety is a priority, every bike includes automatic lights, a bell and full reflectors.
“According to the People for Bike’s national survey, 53 percent of Americans say they want to ride more, yet 52 percent say they don’t have access to a working bike,” said Tim Ericson, Zagster co-founder and CEO. “Thanks to Aurora’s investment not only in bike trails but also bike sharing, residents and visitors will now have the ability to get out and ride.”
Operating in more than 130 communities across North America, Zagster manages all aspects of its programs from bikes and technology to maintenance and marketing.
SOURCE: city of Aurora news release
Credit: http://zagster.com/Aurora-IL/
Read More
About the City of Aurora, IL
Located 35 miles west of Chicago, Aurora is the second largest city in Illinois with a population of 200,456. Aurora is known as the “City of Lights” because it was one of the first in the nation to illuminate its streets with electric lights. Situated along the Fox River and the Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway (Interstate 88), the city extends 46 square miles encompassing Kane, DuPage, Kendall and Will counties. Aurora also is home to six public school districts and seven townships. For the latest news, access to an archive of past news releases or to follow the city on Facebook or Twitter, visit the city’s website at www.aurora-il.org.
