The Township of 91原创 could soon join a growing list municipalities that offer bike share services.
A pilot program is being proposed by the Fort 91原创 Business Improvement Association for Fort 91原创 and Trinity Western University.
If approved, the BIA would set up 100 bikes at four locations 鈥� three in Fort 91原创 and one at TWU 鈥� that can be rented through a smart phone app.
鈥淭he BIA and Trinity Western are very excited to bring this pilot project to Fort 91原创 as quickly as possible,鈥� said Gareth Abreo, who spoke to Township council on behalf of the Fort 91原创 BIA on June 25.
鈥淭his is a program that we just don鈥檛 want to see in Fort 91原创 (only), this is something we want to see expanded across the Township of 91原创. But Fort 91原创 is the perfect place to pilot this project.鈥�
As part of his delegation, Abreo invited representatives from company U-bicycle to showcase how the bikes work.
U-bicycle currently operates a fleet of 500 bikes on Vancouver Island across seven municipalities and three university campuses.
Each U-bicycle rental comes with a helmet, headlight and basket. The technology is located in the bikes, and users can unlock them by scanning a QR code. GPS tracks the location of the bikes in case they are stolen.
The app is free to download, and rentals are available to riders aged 18 and older. Users can pay for the rental either as they go, or through an annual pass.
Abreo said the BIA is hoping to partner with the Township of 91原创 and work with staff to figure out the best locations for bike racks, how bike parking will work, and other specifics.
He estimates the cost to launch 100 bikes in Fort 91原创 would be under $30,000, and half of that money could be recuperated through membership fees.
鈥淲e鈥檙e very ambitious, I know staff are extremely busy all the time, but we would really like to see this project come to life as quickly as possible,鈥� Abreo said.
鈥淎nd the Fort 91原创 BIA and Trinity Western are willing to step up to the table with funds to make this a reality.
鈥淭his could be a real way to connect our communities without the use of cars.鈥�
Several councillors showed enthusiasm for the program and council voted unanimously to send Abreo鈥檚 delegation to staff for follow-up.
NOTE: An earlier version of this article stated the Fort 91原创 BIA has partnered with U-bicycle. This is not the case. U-bicycle is one of several providers the BIA is looking into. The BIA invited U-bicycle to present to council to showcase the type of technology the bikes offer.
miranda@langleytimes.com
Like us on and follow us on
