Bike Share Turns One
On Saturday November 12, the City of Santa Monica is celebrating the one-year anniversary of Breeze Bike Share with a free community ride, open house, and free ride time.
Santa Monica Spoke is hosting a Community Ride leaving from the 17th Street Expo Station at 2:30 p.m. that ends with an open house at Breeze Operations HQ, 1631 Colorado Avenue. Snacks and refreshments will be provided.
One year ago to date, Breeze became L.A. County’s first public bike share system. Today, there are 500 smart bikes at 85 stations available to residents, workers, and visitors throughout Santa Monica and Venice, according to the City.
“Breeze’s first year has been very successful, attracting nearly 43,000 subscribers who have ridden over 618,000 miles on 285,000 trips,” the City said. “The growth in ridership helps reduce vehicle congestion and provides a critical first/last mile connection to the new Expo Line and the Big Blue Bus. To date, Santa Monicans account for 47 percent of the total trips taken, while L.A. County residents account for 24 percent, and visitors 29 percent.”
Since the launch 12 stations have been added, and the system made more affordable by extending daily ride time for annual, monthly, and student members from 30-60 minutes to 90 minutes.
“Breeze now also offers reduced rates for residents living in affordable housing through Community Corporation of Santa Monica. Reduced rates are now also offered for employers that want to bulk purchase memberships for employees. The City anticipates these programs will invite new riders to try bike share and get more people Breezing more often,” the City said.
For more information on Saturday’s event head to smspoke.org or breezebikeshare.com.
