Hoboken to launch new bike-share program in September

September will be a big month for bicycles in Hudson County with the launch of two new bike-share programs in neighboring cities. 

Hoboken announced on Wednesday that it will roll out its bike-share program next month, the same month that Jersey City plans to launch Citi Bikes. Officials touted Hoboken's system, which is supplied by nextbikes and operated by Bike and Roll, as a cheaper and less intrusive alternative to Citi Bikes. The bikes have built-in locks and GPS-tracking systems, so docking stations aren't required throughout the city, said Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer.

Annual memberships cost $95—$75 if you signup before the launch—for unlimited 45-minute rides. Jersey City's annual membership fee is $149. Daily and weekly passes are also available.  

Zimmer called the program a "healthy and sustainable option" to get around the city.

"It's another convenient way to get around our city," Zimmer said during a press conference on Wednesday at Pier A Park. "We live in an urban area, and many people just don't have the space to have a bike in their home."

The first phase of the program will bring 250 bikes and 29 stations to Hoboken. Four of the stations will have so-called smart-docks and kiosks, while the remaining 25 stations will be regular bike racks scattered throughout the city. The bikes are 7-speed, have built-in locks and lights for nighttime riding.

The program is more than two years in the making, primarily held up by the city's ability to get enough funding. The system costs $500,000 each year, and is funded through advertising, sponsors and membership fees.

The program was initially pitched as a regional effort with Jersey City and Weehawken, but the two municipalities backed out of the plan: Jersey City opted for Citi Bikes, and Weehawken couldn't raise the funds for the program. Weehawken Mayor Richard Turner told NJ Advance Media that if he was going to reach out to advertisers for thousands of dollars, it would be for something "needier than bicycles."

"Each mayor makes their own decisions and their own priorities, and I respect that," Zimmer said after the conference.

Hoboken's program, however, allows riders to lock their bikes to existing racks in seven locations in Jersey City and Weehawken: Liberty State Park, Weehawken Waterfront Park, Lincoln Harbor, Grove Street, Exchange Place and Newport.

The city is also offering discounted memberships to members of the Hoboken Housing Authority and free memberships to the first 100 authority residents who sign up. The city also plans to partner with the Hoboken Homeless Shelter to provide jobs to homeless individuals once the program is up and running, Zimmer said.   

For more information, visit the Hudson Bike Share website.

Courtesy of: http://www.nj.com/hudson/index.ssf/2015/08/hoboken_to_launch_new_bike-share_program.html