Pacers Bikeshare e-bikes now available to the public
Starting today, residents of Marion County can register for a free annual “IndyRides Free” pass for Pacers Bikeshare, just in time to check out 325 new e-bikes now available for public use.
The white e-bikes can be found alongside gold classic bikes at the system’s 50 bikeshare stations and ready to check out via the BCycle mobile app.
“We piloted a free pass program last summer, and then dreamed of how we could make IndyRides Free a reality for everyone in Marion County,” said Kären Haley, executive director of the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, which manages Pacers Bikeshare. “We’re thrilled to have the support of the Herbert Simon Family Foundation and Pacers Sports & Entertainment to make this dream a reality.”
The public is invited to an IndyRides Free Launch Party tomorrow – Friday, May 10, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. – at the Indianapolis Cultural Trail headquarters, 132 W. Walnut Street, Indianapolis. The first 100 Marion County residents who show a valid photo ID will be able to register and access their IndyRides Free pass on the spot.
Starting today, registration will be available at www.pacersbikeshare.org. After registering with a valid Marion County residential address, an access code will be sent via U.S. mail.
Haley continued, “While other cities offer reduced-cost or free annual passes to specific groups, to our knowledge, Indy will be the first place where all county residents have access to a free annual bikeshare pass.”
The new e-bikes were funded by a $1.2 million federal Construction Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) grant and local funds from the City of Indianapolis. The free annual passes for Marion County residents are made possible through support from the Herbert Simon Family Foundation and Pacers Sports & Entertainment.
"Our family is honored to continue our support of Pacers Bikeshare,” said Rachel M. Simon, president of the Herbert Simon Family Foundation. “The Pacers Bikeshare program and IndyRides Free pass provide sustainable and affordable transportation that builds a more vibrant community.”
Added Mayor Joe Hogsett, “IndyRides Free will move us forward in our quest toward a cleaner, healthier, more mobile city.”
“We love playing a role in public-private partnerships that benefit the community,” said Rick Fuson, chief executive officer of Pacers Sports & Entertainment. “Being able to do that while also encouraging activities that promote better health and well-being simply adds to the appeal.”
Dr. Virginia A. Caine, director & chief medical officer of the Marion County Public Health Department, agreed, saying, “The free annual pass program for Marion County residents is incredible. Anything we can do to encourage and incentivize more physical activity is a good thing.”
Pacers Bikeshare e-bikes are electric assist, meaning users must pedal to receive the “boost,” which has a maximum speed of 15 mph. They can also be ridden without electric assist, as traditional bikes.
Pacers Bikeshare e-bikes can be ridden on the Indianapolis Cultural Trail: A Legacy of Gene and Marilyn Glick and anywhere bicycles are legally permitted. To access Pacers Bikeshare, people can simply walk up to one of the 50 stations and use the BCycle app to check out a bike.
Pacers Bikeshare Pricing:
- E-bikes are $5 to check out and 25 cents a minute until returned to a station.
- Classic bike prices have increased to $2 to check out and 20 cents per minute until returned to a station.
- An IndyRides Free annual pass grants access to unlimited 30-minute trips on both classic and e-bikes. After 30 minutes, a usage fee of 25 cents per minute applies until the bike is returned to a station.
- A regular Annual Pass is still available at $150 and grants access to unlimited 60-minute trips on both classic and e-bikes. After 60 minutes, a usage fee of 25 cents per minute applies until the bike is returned to a station.
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The first 10 years of Pacers Bikeshare
Total bikeshare trips: 705,127
Minutes ridden on bikeshare: 19,650,894 (37 years)
Miles ridden on bikeshare: 1,900,985 (8 trips to the moon and back)
Carbon offset from bikeshare: 1,801,845 pounds
Calories burned by riding bikeshare: 75,596,376 (302,386 donuts)
About Pacers Bikeshare
Pacers Bikeshare is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Pacers Bikeshare bikes are available at any of the 50 stations, through the BCycle mobile app. Pass options include “Pay as You Ride” and annual passes, and IndyRides Free annual passes for Marion County residents. Pacers Bikeshare is a program of Indianapolis Cultural Trail Inc. and is made possible through a partnership with the City of Indianapolis and the generosity of the Herbert Simon Family Foundation, Pacers Sports & Entertainment and several corporate partners.
About Indianapolis Cultural Trail Inc.
The Indianapolis Cultural Trail creates, inspires and sustains connections and cultural experiences that are accessible for all. The Indianapolis Cultural Trail is both a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and a world-class, internationally recognized linear park: The Indianapolis Cultural Trail: A Legacy of Gene and Marilyn Glick. In partnership with the City of Indianapolis, the organization also manages Pacers Bikeshare and public destinations along and connected by the Cultural Trail.