Preparations are underway for installation of a bicycle sharing station at the trail head of Falling Waters Trail at Weatherwax Drive in Jackson. The trail is a popular destination for cyclists and connects Concord to the Martin L. King Equality Trail that runs through the City of Jackson.
In April a kiosk will be installed that will initially house six bikes available for
rental. Riders will swipe a credit card and be charged rates that have not yet been announced. The program is modeled after similar bike share programs in Ann Arbor and Battle Creek, which sell day passes, memberships and offer hourly rates.
The kiosk and bicycles have been purchased through local bike shop On Two Wheels with a $35,000 grant from the Hurst Foundation. Through advertising on the bikes and rental fees, the program should be self-sustaining according to Kyle Lewis, Jackson County Parks Manager for Facilities & Events.
The program is part of B-Cycle, a service of Trek Bicycle Corporation. B-Cycle is currently in 40 communities throughout the United States. Jackson will be the third Michigan city, joining Ann Arbor and Battle Creek.
The six bikes are made by Trek specifically for ride sharing and rental programs. They are app-connected and have lights on the front and back, adjustable seat, a basket and rear pannier. Additional bikes may be purchased, depending on the success of the program.
The bikes will be available during the traditional biking season of April to October
and stored at On Two Wheels in the winter. On Two Wheels assembled the bikes and will offer free labor for their maintenance. The shop has previously donated and installed tire pump stations at the trailhead and at Lime Lake.
