Seattle’s first-ever bike-sharing program seems to be catching on.
In less than four months, Pronto! Emerald City Cycle Share said today that it has signed up 2,145 annual members. In addition, more than 4,400 people bought 24-hour or 3-day passes since the program debuted in October.
All told, there have been more than 28,622 rides taken — that’s 56,440 total miles logged, or an average of 258 miles per day.
The public-private partnership program, which is essentially a Car2go for bicycles, lets people to rent one of 500 seven-gear bikes, pedal around, and then drop off the two-wheelers at any of the 50 docking stations in town.
As we noted in August, there was strong initial demand for $85 annual memberships that allow riders to rent the blue-and-green bicycles and use them for 30 minutes at a time without any extra charges. Those that don’t need a year-long membership can buy an $8 24-hour pass or $16 3-day pass. Users, who must be older than 16 and have a credit/debit card, can rent the bikes and then drop them off at any other station. Any ride lasting longer than 30 minutes incurs additional fees, while customers can rent helmets for free.
GeekWire tested out the service back in October, and aside from a few kinks, we found it to be an efficient way to get around town — it seems other Seattleites think so, too.
Pronto also today revealed its most popular stations:
- REI / Yale Ave N & John St
- 3rd Ave & Pike St
- PATH / 9th Ave & Westlake Ave
- Westlake Ave & 6th Ave
- 7th Ave & Pine St
- E Harrison St & Broadway Ave E
- 2nd Ave & Vine St
- Occidental Park / Occidental Ave S & S Washington St
- Pier 69 / Alaskan Way & Clay St
- Republican St & Westlake Ave N
The Pronto program is another alternative transportation option now available in Seattle. In July, the Seattle City Council approved a regulatory framework that allowed on-demand transit startups like Uber, Lyft, and Sidecar to operate legally in the Emerald City.
Then last month, the council also approved new legislation that will allow up to three “free-floating car sharing pilot programs” in the city, in addition to Car2go. In a study that published today, Seattle finished eighth in a list that ranked U.S. cities on innovative transportation options.
This Friday, Pronto is adding one yellow bike to its fleet named “#VitaminP.” Those who find, ride, and post a photo of the special bike to social media with the hashtag “#VitaminP” can qualify for free memberships and bike-related prizes. The promotion lasts for four weeks.
