Bike Sharing Takes Hold In Asbury Park
Zagster: 442 people took 716 trips equaling 1,764 hours, saving 17,640 pounds of CO2 emissions
The numbers are in.
Having launched just one month ago, the Asbury Park Bike Share program has seen a return on its sustainable investment.
According to Zagster, who administers the city program, 442 people joined the city’s bike share program since its Aug 23 launch.
The data shows 716 trips equaling a total of 1,764 hours were taken, thereby offsetting 17,640 pounds of CO2 emissions. Each pound of saved CO2 is based on an average 10 mile per hour bike speed per mile ridden.
“The numbers are inline with what we expected but are a bit surprising given that we launched at the end of the summer,” Transportation Manager Mike Manzella [at right] said. “This is mostly folks taking trips during their regular routines, not as much beach goers.”
Thirty cruiser bikes were placed at six stations across the city, through funding support by iStar, Madison Marquette, The Asbury, and Home Drugs pharmacy on Main Street.
The program, the first of its kind along the Jersey Shore, aims to reduce unnecessary car traffic in congested areas, draw more visitors and them travel between Asbury Park’s many attractions, officials have said.
The bicycles are the Zagster 8 model, an award-winning bike known for its practical design, comfortable ride, and easy handling. They feature automatic lights, a bell, reflectors, and a spacious basket designed to carry groceries, takeout, or personal belongings.
Manzella said there have been no reported issues, such as theft or vandalism, and that Zagster has been supportive and responsive.
Two additional stations have been sponsored, Manzella said. They were sponsored by NJ Natural Gas, and a second sponsorship came in from Home Drugs Pharmacy on Main Street.
A station will be placed in front of the Stone Pony and at Seventh and Grand avenues, the latter meant to connect north end residents with the transit and downtown areas, Manzella said.
Manzella said future sites will include placement throughout the west side of town, along Asbury, Third and Sunset avenues. Once the Main Street Road Diet redesign is complete, the city will look to place stations along the main city thoroughfare.
Riders must be 18 and older and can join the program by signing up for an annual $30 subscription or $3 per-hour rides.
Riders can use the Zagster Mobile App [available for iPhone and Android] or sign on via bike.zagster.com/asburypark.
Each bike has a unique number, which riders enter into the app to disengage the ring lock and docking cable at the touch of a button.
A retractable cable mounted to the bike allows the bike to be secured to any public bike rack throughout a trip for mid-ride stops.
After the rider returns the bike to a designated Zagster bike station, the rental ends and the bike is available for the next person.
For riders without a smartphone, unlock codes can be obtained via text message to use via the on-bike keypad.
For more information, riders can text 202-999- 3924.
Complete information about the program, including a station map and detailed instructions, can be found at bike.zagster.com/asburypark.
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