Greenride Bikeshare, serving the cities of South Burlington, Burlington, and Winooski, re-launched this past week with brand-new electric-assist bikes system-wide. The three cities, as well as our partners at UVM, Champlain College, and the Campus Area Transportation Management Association, entered into an agreement with Bolt Mobility to replace the current bikes, to double to 200 total bicycles and add new hubs which will begin coming online in the coming weeks.
Visit www.greenridebikeshare.com for details and use the code BOLTVT2021 for $5 in riding credits
As part of a longstanding commitment to expand affordable, sustainable transportation choice, a group of regional partners is excited to announce the transition of the region’s pedal bikeshare to an expanded all electric fleet.
The cities of Burlington, South Burlington and Winooski and their partners the University of Vermont (UVM), Champlain College, the Chittenden Area Transportation Management Association (CATMA) have entered into an agreement with Bolt Mobility to replace the existing bikeshare fleet of 100 pedal bikes with 200 electric assist bikes as well as to expand the number of stations in the market. This agreement comes at no cost to the participating municipalities and organizations.
Key features of the system
The participating municipalities and organizations have made recent, significant improvements and investments in expanding transportation choice. Recognizing that sustainability does not stop at the town line, this partnership represents another step in making Chittenden County a safer place for multi-modal travel. The micromobility system also advances the vision and goals of both the ECOS Plan and Regional Active Transportation Plan, adopted regional plans of project partner Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission (CCRPC).
Some of the most important parts of this partnership include:
- The new bikeshare system will use most of the existing 17 hubs and quickly expand to 30 hubs as submitted permits are approved and issued. Additional stations could be added based on rider feedback and system performance.
- The bikes are equipped with an electric-assist function (not a throttle) as well as safety lights and an adjustable seat. Helmets are encouraged and available for free by contacting Bolt Mobility.
- The intent of this system is to enhance resident and purpose driven trips rather than “joy rides.” The speeds will be remotely capped on certain safety-designated “slow zones,” or entirely disabled outside of the system. For instance, these bikes will not work on the Causeway. See the map below for the system, including slow zones.
- Bolt Mobility has committed to the partnership’s equity priorities and have agreed to pay their local employees a livable wage and included equity pricing plans to ensure affordability for residents.
- The current agreement is for one year, but there are opportunities for renewal built into the agreement.
Since Greenride Bikeshare’s launch in spring 2018, people have taken nearly 20,000 trips and ridden more than 60,000 miles. This level of activity has burned nearly 2.5 million calories, prevented more than 54,000 pounds of CO2 from being released, and saved riders approximately $35,000 in driving costs. The conversion to e-bikes is expected to attract new riders and will be a healthy, convenient and affordable way for people to get where they need to go, ultimately aiding in the reduction of air pollution and our dependence on fossil fuels.
How to get moving
Using a bike is easy: download the “Gotcha Powered by Bolt” app, scan the QR code on the bike to unlock, and ride. When you’re done, park at a designated station using the integrated bike lock, and end your ride in the app. The comfortable bikes fit most sizes and feature easy to adjust seats, front and rear lights, a bell, and a basket to carry items. When a rider begins pedaling, an electric motor will engage and provide a subtle boost.
For those without a smartphone or credit card, interested riders can call or email Bolt to set up an account and start riding. Pricing options include annual memberships, pay per ride, and reduced rates for low-income residents, military, and campus affiliates.
“Transportation innovations like shared e-bikes are important — they have the potential to expand low-cost transportation options for Burlingtonians and replace vehicle trips, moving us closer to our goal of being a Net Zero Energy City by 2030,” said Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger. “As we re-open after fighting the virus for over a year, I am excited to see this transition in the region’s bikeshare and the expansion of our electric fleet.”
“It has been a pleasure to work with such a dedicated local team over the past few years to bring electric-assist bikes to our region,” said Sandy Thibault, Executive Director of CATMA. “We are excited to partner with Bolt in providing this sustainable micromobility option which will make riding accessible to more people, and at a time when employees may be reconsidering their commute upon returning to the worksite.”
“The City of Winooski is thrilled about our partnership with Bolt Mobility,” said Kristine Lott, Mayor of Winooski. “The electric assist bikes support our ongoing commitment to municipal infrastructure improvements and make Winooski more accessible to our residents and visitors."
“South Burlington is excited to see the re-launch of Greenride Bikeshare and the expansion of bicycle options to our citizens. E-bikes truly open up a world of options to all users, and has the potential to be transformative in the way people move within and between our communities,” said Paul Conner, South Burlington Director of Planning & Zoning. “The added mobility is in line with our long-standing community goal of equitably expanding access to our city, be it for recreational users or the more hard-core bicycle commuters. Thank you to the numerous partners who stayed the course over the past few years, especially the CCRPC and the leadership they provided.”
“We are in the middle of a transportation revolution, and Greenride Bikeshare is a model for other areas of the country,” said Ignacio Tzoumas, CEO of Bolt Mobility. “This upgrade to e-bikes will continue making the Greater Burlington Region more accessible, help reduce pollution, mitigate congestion, and shorten commutes.”
Website: www.greenridebikeshare.com
App for iOS and Android: “Gotcha Powered by Bolt”
Bolt Mobility customer service: 866 BOLT 143 (866-265-8143), support@micromobility.com
About CATMA
CATMA is a non-profit, membership-based organization established in 1992 to jointly plan and manage transportation and parking in ways that better coordinate land use and reduce environmental impacts. CATMA’s suite of comprehensive transportation demand management programs and services provide simple transportation solutions to improve commutes, support healthy lifestyles and reduce congestion in Chittenden County. Learn more about CATMA and the bikeshare system at www.catmavt.org.
About Bolt:
BOLT Mobility is a transformational personal transportation company committed to ensuring access, equity, and quality of life through micromobility. Co-founded by eight-time Olympic Gold Medalist Usain Bolt, BOLT Mobility is revolutionizing the way people move and experience their communities. Through partnerships with municipalities and local ownership, we are advancing smarter infrastructure and thoughtfully integrating sustainable and accessible transportation options into the neighborhoods we serve, helping communities thrive. Learn more at micromobility.com.
Full system map with current stations as well as stations awaiting permit approval and issuance:
