This American City is the First to Offer Free Bike Share to its Residents – Momentum Mag
By Ron Johnson
Indianapolis is making cycling history as the first U.S. city to provide free annual bike share passes to all its residents. Starting today, Marion County residents can register for a free annual IndyRides Free pass for Pacers Bike Share, coinciding with the launch of 325 new e-bikes available for public use.
The sleek white e-bikes, distinguishable from the gold classic bikes, are now stationed at 50 bikeshare hubs across the city, ready to be accessed via the BCycle mobile app.
“We piloted a free pass program last summer and aspired to expand it to all Marion County residents,” said Kären Haley, executive director of the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, which manages Pacers Bike Share. “With the backing of the Herbert Simon Family Foundation and Pacers Sports & Entertainment, we’re thrilled to see this vision come to life.”
Residents can also register online at www.pacersbikeshare.org. After registering with a valid Marion County address, an access code will be mailed to them.
“While some cities offer reduced-cost or free passes to specific groups, Indy is pioneering by making this accessible to all county residents,” Haley added.
