Editor’s Note: This new weekly column from Ashley Varner will discuss the benefits of bicycling and new local programs, trails and other outlets for cyclers in Jefferson City and Mid-Missouri, as well as other ways to create a “healthy community” and get moving.
I lead the Healthy Schools, Healthy Communities initiative in Jefferson City and Holts Summit. Specifically, I work to implement environmental and policy changes in our community to ensure the “healthy choice is the easy choice” for everyone.
As the Healthy Communities Coordinator, I’m sure you’ve seen some of my work: healthy concessions at Jefferson City Public Schools and Helias Catholic High School, more bike lanes around town, Fresh Fruit 4 Kids baskets at local grocery stores, community gardens and upcoming bike share to name a few. I’m very active in our community, a wife and mother of three wonderful kiddos.
What is the bike share program and how does it work?
Bike share is a public bicycle system, a community amenity were bikes are made available for shared use to individuals on a short term basis for a price.
Here in Jefferson City, we launched a bike share program through a company called Spin. Spin’s model is dockless, which means bikes will be available all over the city. Download Spin’s app to your smartphone, enter your payment information, get your code and unlock your bike. It’s that simple.
Where did this idea come from and who are the players involved in getting it launched?
This idea started two and a half years ago with myself, the City of Jefferson, JeffTran, and Jefferson City Parks and Recreation. We were a small and mighty group interested in bringing bike share to Jefferson City to encourage more physical activity and provide a transportation alternative.
We researched bike share companies, spoke with many other communities with a similar population base and topography, and completed a feasibility study. Over time, we found that Spin was ultimately the right program for our community.
The City of Jefferson has no upfront costs, our community supports cycling, our buses have the capacity to hold bicycles, and Spin offers “Spin Access.” Spin Access is a program that allows individuals without smartphones to ride the bikes. All you need is a phone that can text. Purchase a “Spin Access” card for cash at a local business partner, scratch off the code, text the code to the bike to unlock it, and you are on your way.
Spin Access will compliment our transit system by being a ‘first mile/last mile’ amenity from bus stops and bike share will be available after the buses stop running in the evenings and weekends.
How many bikes (and scooters) will be coming to Jefferson City?
Currently, we are expecting 150 bikes, electric assist bikes and scooters to be available. We launched last week. If you are interested in sponsorship of this program or have questions, please contact [email protected] or [email protected].