The City of Salem and Zagster, Inc., with the support of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts and Salem State University, have launched the Zagster-Salem Bike Share. This new “on-demand” bike share, operated and managed by Zagster, Inc., will provide Salem residents, workers, and visitors with an affordable and healthy way to get around the city.
“I am very excited to launch the new Salem Bike Share program, in partnership with Zagster, our supporting sponsors, and our Bicycle Advisory Committee,” says Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll. “This new initiative represents a considerable step forward in encouraging mode shift in local transportation and in providing an easily accessible and well managed bicycle riding option that connects multiple points throughout our city. Bike sharing can provide a critical ‘last mile’ connection for transit users and align directly with our ongoing commitment to increase bicycle-friendly infrastructure city-wide. Not only do we hope it will encourage residents, commuters, and visitors to get out of their cars and onto bikes, but it is reflective of our nationally-recognized complete streets policy.”
The Salem Bike Share launched with 18 cruiser bikes available across three stations initially– Federal Street/MBTA, Front Street/Derby Square, and Blaney Street/Salem Ferry. Additional stations will be added to the bike share network this summer, including at Salem State University along the Salem Bike Path, at the Salem Willows, and at other locations still to be determined.
“Salem State University is pleased to partner with the city on this important initiative,” says Salem State University president Patricia Maguire Meservey. “Programs like Zagster are a benefit to our community in that they promote both a healthy lifestyle as well as greater environmental sustainability. This partnership is a wonderful step forward to our joint commitment to a healthy Salem community.”
“Blue Cross is thrilled to partner with the City of Salem in launching its bike-share program,” said Jeff Bellows, VP corporate citizenship & public affairs, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts. “Salem’s residents, commuters, and visitors will now have a fun and convenient alternative for getting around town and taking in the city’s rich history and attractions. We’re passionate about promoting healthy living and bike shares are a proven transportation alternative encouraging active lifestyles and clean environments. We see this as a major win.”
Offering connections with other forms of transit, including the MBTA multi-modal station and Salem Ferry, the Salem Bike Share promises to both ease commutes to work and offer a fun recreational activity for residents and visitors.
Unlike big-city bike shares where riders must drop off bikes at designated stations for every stop, Zagster bikes have a built-in bike lock which allows users to ride the bike as long as they want and stop wherever they want along the way and lock the bike. Bikes only need to return to a Zagster-Salem station at the end of a ride.
Using the Zagster-Salem Bike Share is easy. Bikes are accessible at any station via the Zagster Mobile App—available for iPhone and Android—or online at Zagster.com/Salem.
Step 1: Use the Zagster app to unlock a bike at a station.
Step 2: Enjoy your ride!
Step 3: When you are ready to end your trip, bring the bike back to any Zagster station and press the lock button to end the ride.
Ridership is possible through two options:
Option 1: Hourly Rate ($3.00/hour).
Option 2: Annual Membership ($25/year or $10 with promotional code BIKESALEM through August 2017). Annual memberships provide unlimited rides with the first hour free. Additional hourly fees apply for longer rides.
Salem’s bike share features the Zagster 8, an award-winning bike known for its practical design, comfortable riding, and easy handling. The bike includes a spacious front basket that’s perfect for carrying shopping bags or personal belongings. As rider safety is a priority, every bike includes automatic lights, a bell, and full reflectors. Riders must be 18 years or older. Please obey traffic laws, wear a helmet, and be a safe rider.