LimeBike, a dockless bike-sharing service, has announced that it will be launching in Dallas this September, making North Texas its sixth location. San Mateo, Calif.-based LimeBike provides an environmentally-friendly alternative for city transportation.
Kourtny Garrett, CEO of Downtown Dallas Inc., said in a statement, “Downtown Dallas, Inc. has been exploring funding opportunities for operating a bike-share program on our own for years, and we are thrilled to work with innovative companies entering the market.”
The bright green bikes require no deposit fees for use, and the pay-as-you-go ride costs $1 for 30 minutes, or 50 cents for students. LimeBikes are also GPS and 3G enabled, making it easy for riders to find, unlock, and pick up a bike using the iOS or Android LimeBikes app. Once the ride is finished, riders lock the bikes’ back wheel and park between the pedestrian-designated sidewalk and the street curb or at a bike rack.
The new dockless bikes will initially be deployed at partner business locations this month as the company works with city officials and key stakeholders on rules to allow company expansion throughout the community. LimeBike will head a local operations and maintenance team to support the program, which will call for dozens of full and part-time local hires.
“Dallas is a forward-thinking town that is at the intersection of sustainability and economic development … By working closely with city leaders, community organizations, and local businesses, we plan on ramping up service quickly in order to provide commuters and cycling enthusiasts an empowering way to get around in Dallas,” Toby Sun, CEO and co-founder of LimeBike, said in a statement. “We have been extremely encouraged by the community support and reception we’ve had so far in Dallas.”
The Dallas City Council’s Mobility Solutions, Infrastructure and Sustainability Committee will hold a briefing on August 14 to discuss how the program can support Dallas’ mobility priorities.
