Thursday, July 18, 2018
New bike share program aims to add more transportation options and improve livability
PROVIDENCE, RI – Mayor Jorge O. Elorza today joined Ward 3 City Councilor Nirva LaFortune, Lifespan CEO and President Dr. Timothy Babineau, Tufts Health Plan CEO and President Thomas Crosswell, Rhode Island Public Transportation (RIPTA) CEO Scott Avedisian and JUMP to announce the launch of its electric bike share service in Providence this summer, possible with the support of the City of Providence, Lifespan, Tufts Health Plan and RIPTA. JUMP bikes are electric-assist and provide a boost with every pedal, making it easier for riders to get up hills and across town without breaking a sweat.
In 2017, JUMP bikes launched the first ever dockless electric bike share system in the United States. Bikes will be available at the cost of just $2 for every thirty minutes of riding. JUMP will also offer monthly memberships for $20 per month for sixty minutes of ride time a day, and reduced cost memberships for $5 for the first year for qualifying individuals. Residents will be able to pick up and park bikes at stations and public bike racks around the city, a hybrid approach between stationed and stationless bike share.
In May 2018, Uber acquired JUMP as part of its mission to expand the menu of affordable, reliable transportation options available within the Uber app and make it even easier for residents to get across town without relying on their own personal vehicle. JUMP’s pedal assist bikes are also available in San Francisco, Washington, DC, Santa Cruz, Austin, Sacramento, and Chicago.
“Experiencing all that Providence’s neighborhoods have to offer on two wheels is an experience that should not be missed,” said Mayor Jorge O. Elorza. “We’re excited that visitors who want to explore and residents looking for a healthier way to commute, will be able to take advantage of a fun and eco-friendly way to travel in the capital city with the JUMP bike share program. I thank our partners for helping us make this possible.”
“Lifespan is proud to bring JUMP to Providence by serving as a founding sponsor of this innovative program,” said Timothy J. Babineau, M.D., president and CEO of Lifespan, which includes Providence-based Rhode Island Hospital and The Miriam Hospital. “It’s a perfect fit for us on so many levels. As Rhode Island’s largest health care system and largest employer, we eagerly support initiatives that make Rhode Islanders healthier – and JUMP, in very practical and symbolic ways, will promote healthy active lifestyles. For example, enabling a healthy mode of transportation around Providence and to our many locations. This initiative is consistent with our commitment to the wellbeing of our patients, employees and the larger community. We are pleased to contribute toward improving the quality of life and transportation infrastructure of the state’s capital, home to many Lifespan facilities.”
“We are thrilled to join forces with the city of Providence and JUMP to bring the first ever bike share program to the city,” said Tom Croswell, Tufts Health Plan president and CEO. “Not only does the bike share promote health through physical activity, but it also contributes to the health of the environment by supporting a green method of transportation around the city. Our participation is such a natural fit for our mission to improve the health and wellness of the diverse communities we serve. We hope the residents and visitors of Providence take advantage of everything the bike share program has to offer.”
RIPTA CEO Scott Avedisian noted that a bike share program in the capital city will complement the transit authority’s robust service there. “We are just starting construction on our new Downtown Transit Connector (DTC) that will bring high-frequency bus service from the Hospital District to the train station,” Avedisian said. “We are pleased that the federal grant that we are administering for this project also includes $400,000 to support Providence’s new bike share initiative. Buses and bikes are a winning combination, and through our commuter outreach program we’ve been working with the Providence biking community for years. The JUMP bike share service will provide Rhode Islanders with one more way to leave their cars at home and use a bus-bike combination for their commutes.”
Media assets for JUMP Bikes are available. More information on JUMP is available on the website here: https://jumpbikes.com/