SDOT
After evaluating their pilot bike share program, the Seattle Department of Transportation created new rules for governing bike share company operations in the city. The pilot program, which ended this summer, featured bike share programs from Lime, Spin and ofo–of the three, only Lime chose to apply for a new permit.
Now Uber is joining Lime as it launched its bike-share program, JUMP, in Seattle last Monday, November 19. You may have seen one of their initial 300 red electric bikes around central and north Seattle. Come March, the company plans to operate upwards of 5,000 bikes in Seattle. As part of their launch, JUMP is offering five free 30-minute trips every day through December 12.
Similar to previous and current bike shares in the area, JUMP bikes are $1 to unlock, and then 10 cents per minute to ride. To ride a JUMP bike, they can be unlocked via the JUMP or Uber app, with an account number and pin, or even using an ORCA Card. The pedal-assist electric bikes also feature integrated locks, allowing bikes to be locked to racks and out of the way when not in use.
In an effort to get riders to comply with the King County law requiring all cyclists to wear a helmet, JUMP will be handing out helmets through December 18 at 1191 Second Avenue from 11 a.m. to 6.pm. (except Tuesdays and Sundays).
Another company possibly joining SDOT’s bike share program will be Lyft Bikes. According to its permit application, Lyft will offer pedal-assist bikes that can be unlocked for $1 then followed by 15 cents per minute.