The Town Center Community Improvement District (TCCID) is celebrating the first anniversary of its bike-share program with updates and improvements. Bike frames will feature Bluetooth-controlled locks that open with a smart phone app, making it easier than ever for visitors and residents to take a ride. The bicycles will be out of commission through October 21 for upgrades, and will be ready for use on Saturday, October 22 with no increase in rate (the first hour is always free!).
Tracy Rathbone, the TCCID’s Executive Director, says the Zagster program has been a big hit in its first year. “Nearly 5,000 people have taken more than 10,500 rides in the last year, and we consider this a great success. We are very excited to be one the first cities in the U.S. to receive these upgrades. The new technology is more secure and even easier to use. We are thrilled to couple the technology rollout with a planned program expansion throughout the CID. Look for new docks throughout the District, including on KSU campus and in select office parks. We want to ensure riders know the bikes are “road-ready” and encourage use along the Noonday Creek Trail, but also throughout the CID as a daily transit option.”
Riding and Returning is a Breeze
Breezer Uptown Cruisers will get even more user-friendly features during the month of October, increasing biker usability and security. Most notable is the first self-contained Bluetooth ring lock system in a North American bike share program. The locks close by circling the wheel and prevent rotation or removal. The bicycle locks were built in partnership with AXA Bike Security, a subsidiary of the largest lock manufacturer in the world, Allegion.
To unlock a bicycle, a code is sent to a smart phone via the Zagster app or a text message. The bike keypad uses Bluetooth technology to unlock the rear wheel from the rack. Zagster is planning to release codeless bike unlocking from smartphones in 2017, and riders will be able to unlock a bicycle without even touching the bike. The improved lock can be secured with one touch, and no longer needs the keypad for return. A retractable cable from the bicycle frame attaches to a heavy duty cable on the bike rack in between trips for secure storage.
Get on Your Bikes and Ride!
Bike share memberships are available on www.zagster.com/towncenter or by using the Zagster mobile app. Membership is open at no cost for everyone over 18 with a valid credit or debit card, and the first hour of riding is always free. Each additional hour is $3, and the bikes may be returned to any docking station in the TCCID.
Town Center CID has placed stations in key locations for convenience and usability while preserving the natural beauty of the environment.
You can find a bicycle:
- At the future Town Center Park, on Town Center Drive, behind Town Center Mall
- On Bells Ferry Trailhead, between Big Shanty Road and Barrett Parkway
- By Aviation Park, at Cobb Place Boulevard and Barrett Lakes Boulevard
For more information on Zagster, the station locations, and updates on the program, including membership registration and a docking station map, visit Town Center’s bike share program website: http://zagster.com/towncenter/.
About the Town Center CID
Founded in 1997, the Town CID is dedicated to the betterment of the Town Center area through transportation infrastructure, safety improvements, beautification and other projects that enhance property value by increasing interest and investment in the community. The Town Center CID utilizes funds from voluntary commercial real estate taxes to implement its projects. For more information, please visit www.towncentercid.com.
About Zagster
Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Cambridge, Mass., Zagster is one of the oldest and fastest-growing bike-share providers in North America. Zagster powers more than 130 unique bike-sharing programs in areas where traditional bike-share providers can’t reach, including college and corporate campuses, small cities and towns, and commercial and residential real estate developments. The company’s goal: To make the bike the most loved form of transportation in every community. More information about Zagster and its programs can be found at www.zagster.com.
