Cedar Rapids Kicks Off Bike Share Program

Cedar Rapids Kicks Off Bike Share Program

The City of Cedar Rapids will host a special kick-off event celebrating the arrival of the city’s first bike share program, which will feature electric-assist bikes and later this year, electric scooters. All are welcome to join City officials and community supporters for a ceremonial ribbon cutting and short bike ride on Monday, May 13, 5:30 p.m. in Greene Square.

Representatives from the City of Cedar Rapids and bike share program vendor VeoRide will be on hand to talk about the program and demonstrate how it works. Attendees who do not currently have a helmet can receive a free bike helmet (while supplies last) courtesy of private donations. Following a short ceremony, all are welcome to join in a brief community bike ride - riders can bring their own bike, or try a VeoRide bike.

“We are extremely excited for the opportunity to unlock Cedar Rapids’ first bike share program, and we share the enthusiasm of the entire community as we get this program underway,” says Assistant Director for Community Development Bill Micheel. “I want to personally thank the many strong community supporters who have stepped up to bring this innovative amenity to Cedar Rapids.”

The bikes are accessible through the VeoRide app (free on any app provider), which enables riders to unlock the bikes for $1, with a charge of 15 cents per each minute of use, ideal for quick journeys between destinations in the City’s core. For example, a ride from the convention center to the New Bohemia district would cost about two dollars. During Bike to Work Week May 13 – 17, residents can use the promo code 5seasons for a $5 credit for a free ride using the new system.

The bikes are easy to use. Just open the VeoRide app to find an available bike; scan the QR code or enter the bike’s ID number to unlock it; and go. When you’re finished with your ride, simply park in a designated area, slide the lock closed, and that will end your trip and the fare.

Cedar Rapids’ bike share program will include a fleet of 150 e-bikes, with 90 bike rack stations in the downtown and surrounding districts. During the event on May 13, residents can preview and test drive approximately 45 bikes with special Bike to Work Week decals. The full fleet of custom green e-bikes will arrive later this summer. Approximately 20 stations will be operational by May 13.

The bike share program is operated by VeoRide, a micromobility sharing company. Bike share stations and several new on-street bicycle facilities were provided by a generous grant from Wellmark in support of this new program. Free bike helmets and educational safety videos were also funded by private contributions from Linn County Trails Association, the Downtown SSMID (Self Supported Municipal District), the Czech Village / NewBo SSMID, the MedQuarter, and the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance.

As the vendor, VeoRide is responsible for maintaining the fleet of 150 bikes and will have local technicians maintaining and re-balancing the fleet as needed; lost or damaged bikes will be recovered, repaired, or replaced at no cost to the city. To contact VeoRide, call (855) 836-2256 or email hello@veoride.com to report any concerns.

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About VeoRide
VeoRide, based in Chicago, Ill., is an easy-to-use and adaptable dockless micromobility share company. Micro-mobility includes all modes of short-distance transportation, including pedal bikes, e-bikes and e-scooters. We aim to provide multi-modal alternative transportation to cities and college campuses. VeoRide currently operates dozens of micromobility share programs nationwide and continues to expand in additional markets each month. For more information about the company, visit www.veoride.com.