NEWBURYPORT – The City of Newburyport has launched the Port Bikeshare pilot program, offering bicycles for rent at location along the city’s Clipper City Rail Trail.
The program, which allows riders to use the Movatic app to locate, rent and return bikes, is a partnership among the city, Tandem Mobility and Newburyport Livable Streets, a non-profit organization which promotes safe and accessible transportation options in the city.
Five bikeshare stations are located near the MBTA commuter rail station, at Washington Street, in Market Landing Park next to the American Yacht Club and off High Street at March’s Hill.
The system includes 23 pedal bicycles and two recumbent trikes, which were purchased by the Newburyport Commission on Disabilities.
Rentals cost $3 for each half hour. A $5 coupon is available through the end of November with the code RIDE5OFF.
Funding for the three-year program came mostly from a federal grant encouraging alternatives to driving. Additional support was provided by the Coastal Trails Coalition, the Institution for Savings Charitable Foundation, the Mary Alice Arakelian Foundation and the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation.
Local businesses can sponsor the bikeshare program and advertise on bikes or stations. Information on sponsorships is available at www.tandem-mobility.com/newburyport-sponsorship-offerings. ♦
