Bicycle rental program comes to W-S
A bicycle rental program is giving those in Winston-Salem a new way to get around.
Late last month, a new bike sharing program was launched that will have 10 racks in its first phase, most located within downtown. The racks are from bike sharing company Zagster, which is working in partnership with the National Cycling Center in downtown Winston-Salem and the City of Winston-Salem.
“The Zagster bike is of fantastic quality and innovative in the way it lets the rider interface with the system,” said Cycling Center board member Dr. Richard Rauck in a statement. “We are proud to present this program and price it significantly below all other bike share programs in the state and region. Bike share comes to Winston-Salem at a critical time as we all look at ways to decrease traffic congestion with the upcoming closure of Business I-40.”
Riders can use the Zagster app to rent the bikes. The app will give the rider an unlock code to be entered into the bike. Bike rentals are $3 an hour and up to $24 a ride. There’s an additional $30 overtime charge for a bike that’s out more than 24 hours. Bikes can be returned to any Zagster rack, and once they’re locked in place, will be ready for the next rider to use. Those without smart phones can rent through texting.
The Zagster cruiser bikes feature a front basket for carrying groceries, takeout and personal belongings. They have automatic lights, a bell and full reflectors for safety. They also have a retractable cable that allows bikes to be secured to any fixed object for mid-ride stops.
Each Zagster station started with five bikes but have 10 slots to allow extra space for bikes that are returned to a station. There are 10 stations planned in the first phase. The stations listed on the Zagster’s Winston-Salem website that are open or in the works are at:
*The corner of Seventh and Liberty streets
*Benton Convention Center
*The corner of Fourth and Trade streets
*The corner of Fourth and Liberty streets
*On Fourth Street across from Foothills Brewing
*Bailey Park
*Long Branch Trail South
*Salem Lake
*Gateway YWCA
For more information, visit: bike.zagster.com/winstonsalem.
