Better Bikeshare
The launch press conference for the nation’s first large scale hybrid bikeshare system was held today in Hoboken, New Jersey, a city with a rich history of innovation and transportation excellence. Actual operations begin this weekend. This exciting new program combines the operational expertise of Bike and Roll NYC, which already profitably operates a 2,000+ bike fleet in New York City, and the technological leadership of Social Bicycles (smart-lock technology). While the initial pilot is in Hoboken, this summer’s goal is to establish a bike-boat-bike, or trans-Hudson program called “Bike the Skyline” between New York City and New Jersey.
Future Bikeshare
The Hoboken pilot is based on the most advanced technology. Bikeshare is evolving very fast (click here). The pilot has launched so smoothly in great part due to Mayor Zimmer’s leadership and Hoboken incredible team. The program is designed to complement Citibike. However, there are some notable differences between Citibike and this new program:
- Set-up cost – While Citibike’s set-up cost is between $8,000 and $16,000/bike, this new program’s set-up is under $1,000/bike.
- Compatibility – While Citibike has a “one-style-fits-all” look causing consternation at Petrosino Square, 99 Bank Street and many other locations, the new program can be integrated into the urban fabric (less Robert Moses, more Jane Jacobs).
- Customer base – While Citibike is limited to people 16 and older, the new program has a biking solution for everyone.
Post Sandy
This new model is designed to address the unique nature of being bound by water in a post Sandy environment. It is also designed to offer cities large and small a much lower cost, more flexible approach to urban mobility. More information will be forthcoming.
Mayor Dawn Zimmer speaks. In back are Chris Wogas (Bike and Roll, Ryan Rzepecki (Social Bicycles), Tom Glendening (E3Think) and Buddy Valastro (aka the Cake Boss)
Buddy Valastro (the Cake Boss) talks about how Hoboken is a natural tourist destination.
Chris Wogas talks about how happy international tourists are with Bike and Roll
Ryan Rzepecki discusses with CBS and other news companies why the new smart-lock technology is an evolutionary improvement over the smart-dock (starting with cost).
Tom Glendening provides quick overview of the economic benefits well-considered bikeshare offers, as well as how bikeshare is the seed for robust urban mobility.
Mayor Dawn Zimmer, Ryan Rzepecki and Buddy Valastro.