REV Birmingham, the city’s revitalization organization, plans to launch a BikeShare program this fall.
REV, in partnership with the City of Birmingham, the Birmingham Regional Planning Commission and the Community Foundation, announced this week a proposal for a 400-bike, 40-docking kiosk program that will be deployed in the city center in September.
The system will be purchased from Quebec-based Bewegen and will include 100 electric pedal assist bikes.
“The BikeShare system is another forward-thinking program we’re implementing in our forward-thinking city,” said Birmingham Mayor William Bell in a statement. “It will provide a fun transportation option for our citizens and for visitors here on business.”
REV Birmingham CEO said the program will provide a boost to the city’s already growing tourism base and could encourage more businesses to come to the city center.
“We have always seen BikeShare as an economic development tool,” Fleming said. “It draws in new visitors, encourages workers and residents to explore the city and delivers customers to the doors of Birmingham businesses.”
Fleming said the estimated cost of the program will be roughly $1 million per year over the first five-year cycle.
It will be funded through a variety of mechanisms, including the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham, federal grants, corporate sponsors and system revenues.
“We’re excited that we had the opportunity to be involved with this flexible, affordable transportation option and thanks to our donors and community partners, we can contribute to the growing vibrancy of our city center,” said Community Foundation Senior Program Officer Gus Heard-Hughes.
Demonstration bikes will be rolled out later this spring, and the website and mobile application will go live during the summer months for annual membership purchases.
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