The full fleet of electric-assist bikes for the Cedar Rapids bike share is expected to roll into Cedar Rapids bike racks over the next week, expanding access and availability for those looking to rent wheels to get around town or enjoy the local bike trail network.
With an initial 45 bikes and 20 bike racks available since May 13, the program’s popularity has met expectations so far, officials say. Once the full 150 bikes are on the ground, they anticipate a critical mass to boost the numbers further.
“I think it has been really successful so far, especially with the number of bikes we have,” said Sylvia Bochner, a city planner. “It still is new to Cedar Rapids, and people are figuring it out.”
VeoRide, the Chicago-based vendor providing the bikes and operating the system at no cost to taxpayers, delivered the remainder of the fleet Thursday and will be unpacking and tuning the bikes before gradually unleashing them around the downtown over the next several days.
The new bikes are emerald green, which matches the city color brand, and have five stripes representing the “City of Five Seasons” slogan. The existing teal green bikes will be phased out as the new ones are deployed.