Bike Share Program Makes February Debut in Tampa and St. Pete
There’s a new ride in town. This one will help you go green and makes getting around downtown Saint Petersburg easy, scenic and fun. Coast allows riders to pick up a bike and ride it around town and then drop it off at the nearest bike rack or drop off point. It’s as convenient as it is healthy and green.
When the program debuts in February 2017 you can expect to see 300 bikes at 30 different stations in and around the city.
How it Works
The program has been made as simple as possible. You can reserve a bike and find pick up points by using the app on your phone. The video below explains exactly how the operation works. Here are the basic steps:
Register: Get the app on your mobile phone or device.
Release: If you are using it every so often or you are a visitor you can use your membership account number and pin on the bike’s key pad. If you have a plan you will be given a card. You can just tap the card to the key pad on the bike, enter your pin and be on your way!
Ride: The bike’s security system is a Ubar. You’ll simply remove it and place it in the carrier on the side of the bike and be on your way. If you want to make a stop be sure to find a bike rack, put the Ubar back in to place and press hold to reserve your bike so no one else can take it. When you are ready to roll just unlock the Ubar by entering your pin. Put it in place and away you go!
Return: When you are done with your ride, return the bike or pay an extra fee to leave it at any rack in the service area. Lock the bike. When the lock is in place you will see a “thank you” message. If you missed the key pad will alert you to let you know you need to try again.
Where to Ride
If you are interested but not sure where to take the bike the app has plenty of destinations already planned out for you. In St. Petersburg, choose from the following pre-planned adventures.
In Tampa you can choose from the following back ride destinations.
Cost
There are several plans to fit the type of usage you might require. The first question is whether you are a visitor to the city, a resident or a student.
Visitors:
$8 pay as you go- This plan charges you $8 for every 60 minutes the bike is used.
Students:
$59 annually – This plan includes 60 minutes of ride time per day for the annual price.
Regular Riders:
$15 monthly- Allows 60 minutes of ride time per day.
$20 monthly- Allows 90 minutes of ride time per day.
$79 annual- Allows 60 minutes of ride time per day.
$99 founding- Allows 90 minutes of ride time per day. *Available to St. Petersburg residents only at this time.
Each bike is equipped with head and tale lights to ensure a safe ride no matter what time you choose to take it for a spin.
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