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Marylou Berg, Communication Manager, 240-314-8105
Rockville to Participate in Bike Sharing Program
ROCKVILLE, Md., June 15, 2011 —Rockville, in partnership with Montgomery County, will establish a bike sharing program that will offer 200 bicycles at 20 bike stations in Rockville and the Shady Grove area. The National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board today approved a $1.3 million grant to establish the pilot program.
“We are thrilled about partnering with Montgomery County on this project,” said Rockville City Manager Scott Ullery. “Our growing network of biking infrastructure and access to three Metro stations makes Rockville the perfect place for a pilot.”
The pilot bike sharing program will determine whether bike sharing programs are feasible in suburban centers and test its success in providing an alternate transportation option for low-income residents and employees.
“Bike sharing can be a cost effective way to provide better transportation connections to low income residents, many of whom hold multiple jobs and try to participate in job training programs,” said County Executive Isiah Leggett. “By providing low cost, efficient and readily available transportation linkages to home and employment and education sites, the bike share program should significantly expand opportunities and improve the quality of life for all our residents. We hope this bike sharing pilot project will prove to be a great success.”
The bike sharing program is one of eight regional projects to receive funds under the Job Access Reverse Commute (JARC) program of the Federal Transit Administration. These funds must be used to improve mobility options for low-income commuter.
Low-income workers who meet program guidelines will receive a free, one year bike share membership; coverage for a certain level of user fees; a bike helmet; bicycle use and safety training classes; and assistance with finding safe bicycle routes.
The JARC grant will provide $1.288 million, and the matching portion is $688,000, of which the City of Rockville will contribute up to $200,000 for both capital costs and operation costs. Costs associated with the program include streetscape improvements or bike path links. Capital costs associated with the program include streetscape improvements or bike path links.
Some of the proposed locations for the bike share stations are the Rockville and Shady Grove Metro stations, Rockville Town Center, employment centers along Route 355/Rockville Pike, Montgomery College-Rockville Campus, Universities at Shady Grove and Johns Hopkins-Montgomery County Campus, and the City of Rockville.
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