A $1 million bike share project was announced by Bike Miami Valley and the Greater Dayton RTA Thursday morning.
Laura Estandia with Bike Miami Valley says the goal of the program, known as “Link”, is to promote more active lifestyles in the city.
“This is a transportation tool for downtown that’s going to link together different areas of interest...it’s going to do a lot for the connectivity of our region,” she said.
Estandia says once the program is underway, Bike Miami Valley will advocate for new bike lanes on downtown streets.
“This has happened in a lot of cities you know, cart before the horse, once you see more folks out cycling it just encourages more people to do it and make the streets safer, and getting the speed limits reduced downtown,” said Estandia.
Beginning in May, cyclists will be able to pick up a bike at any one of the 24 bike stations that will be set up within four square miles around downtown. Memberships will cost $65 a year, and day passes will also be available for non-members.
Several stations will be located near the university of Dayton—Estandia hopes to bring more students into areas like the Oregon District.
When the program kicks off in May, more than 200 Link bikes could hit the streets of downtown Dayton.
