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The city’s bike sharing program has launched.

“Biking is good for the environment, it helps our residents connect to jobs and commercial districts, and it’s good for our health,” said Mayor John Moor. “We’re one of the first cities in New Jersey with a bike share program, and definitely the first along the Jersey Shore.”

Moor  and Councilwoman Eileen Chapman were among the first to test out the new bikes during Tuesday night’s Complete Streets Coalition Light Up The Night community ride. The Coalition is a group of local residents who work to support policy, programs, and education in order to create safe travel for all who use the city streets. The 4-mile ride set off from Springwood Avenue Park, the location of one of six stations across the city, and traversed throughout city streets.

“These rides are about bringing all corners of the city together, and while having fun we’re educating people how to be safe on bikes; one great way to be safe is to light up bikes,” founding member Paula Schildge said. “Many people who don’t own cars ride bikes for transportation but do not have lights, and kids seem to almost always ride at night without lights. Hopefully this ride focused on fun but was also educational.”

A kick off ribbon cutting ceremony and community bike ride will be held 4:30 p.m. Tuesday at Springwood Avenue Park, located between Union and Atkins avenues. The ride will return to Springwood Park in time for the 6 p.m. finale of the Asbury Park Music Foundation free concert series in Springwood Park.

Thirty cruiser bikes are now in place at six stations across the city, thanks to funding support by waterfront redeveloper iStar, boardwalk redeveloper Madison Marquette, The Asbury, and Home Drugs pharmacy on Main Street.

“A bike share system is the kind of amenity that people expect to see in a city like ours,” Deputy Mayor Amy Quinn said. “This system is a piece of the transportation puzzle that will help to reduce parking demand in our commercial districts, connect residents to important destinations, and make Asbury Park an even more attractive place to live, work and visit.”

The Asbury Park Bike Share System, administered by Zagster, aims to reduce unnecessary car traffic in congested areas, draw more visitors, and help visitors travel between Asbury Park’s many attractions, officials said.  The system features the Zagster 8, an award-winning bike known for its practical design, comfortable ride, and easy handling. The bike includes a spacious basket that’s perfect for carrying groceries, takeout, or personal belongings. And because rider safety is a priority, every bike includes automatic lights, a bell, and full reflectors.

Riders must be 18 and older and can join the program by signing up for an annual $30 subscription or $3 per-hour rides, officials said.

Riders can use the Zagster Mobile App [available for iPhone and Android] or online at 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 to enjoy. For riders without a smartphone, unlock codes can be obtained via text message to use with 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 on how to join and ride, can be found at bike.zagster.com/asburypark.

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