MEMPHIS, Tenn. (BRAIN) — A 600-bike bike share system is planned for Memphis, where Explore Bike Share, a local non-profit, has announced its contract agreement with B-Cycle.
The Memphis system will be the largest in the country using B-Cycle's Dash system. Among other features, Dash bikes include a forward-facing, turn-by-turn touchscreen GPS for route recommendations and directions.
"We couldn't be more excited to officially partner with Memphis to offer a truly revolutionary type of bike share system," said Bob Burns, president of B-Cycle, which currently operates 1,250 bike share stations and over 10,000 bikes in 43 communities.
Explore Bike Share's mission is to establish a system that serves locals and tourists equitably, whether for transportation, health or cultural leisure. The group has proposed a service area to reach high-density areas of Downtown and Midtown, as well as South Memphis, Orange Mound and Binghampton.
"From its inception, Explore Bike Share has vowed to prioritize neighborhood needs, utilizing the system to serve all of Memphis — not just where the city sees density on a map," said Roshun Austin, an Explore Bike Share board member. "We are proud to pursue and execute equity-oriented strategies such as bike safety education, ambassador programs, and workforce development partnerships."
Memphis mayor Jim Strickland said, "Explore Bike Share is an exemplary model of public-private partnership. I am 100 percent behind the vision of Explore Bike Share and its mission to provide an affordable, accessible, equitable option for our citizens to experience and enjoy Memphis' public spaces. Bike share will not only expand transportation options and health benefits for our residents, but it will also expand connections and perspectives between our neighborhoods."
More information: explorebikeshare.com.
