Jackson SmartBike program hits the road Friday
The Town of Jackson is launching a new “START Bike” field trial with Trek bicycles Friday. The Bike Share program is intended to improve personal mobility with technology while alleviating traffic congestion. Officials expect the program to supplement public transit and reduce the valley’s carbon footprint. START, along with Friends of Pathways, Energy Conservation Works, and the Teton Conservation District are supporting the program. As part of the program, BCycle, a subsidiary of Trek Bicycles, will test a new app and bicycle called “The Dash”. The Dash is a smart bike with technology built into the bike, not into a station. Jackson will be the first community to test and use the newest technology. The Town of Jackson and Teton County are interested in bike sharing as a way to keep residents healthy as well as to lower the town’s carbon footprint. “We are encouraging everyone to take part in this program, which could make our current system more efficient and connected, changing the way people get around Jackson,” said Darren Brugmann, START Director. The field trial program is open to the public at a reduced rate of $5 for the summer. Registered riders must be at least 18 years old and must have a credit or debit card to sign up. To participate: Download the “BCycle Dash” app on an Apple or Android smartphone In the App, “Join BCycle” by purchasing a $5.00 START Bike preview membership and create a user profile Once registered, users can check out a START Bike using a smartphone. To check out a bike: Open the BCycle Dash app, and click the bicycle icon in the app Touch the screen on the handlebars of a START Bike. It will display a six digit code Enter this six digit code into the BCycle Dash app, and follow the screen prompts to remove the lock Store the lock in the front basket, adjust the seat and ride To close a trip, return the START bike to any station, lock it, and click “End Ride” on the bike screen The bikes were intended to be returned to designated START Bike stations and ridden within the designated service area. A permanent system, funded by Energy Conservation Works and Teton Conservation District will begin late in the summer. For more information, call 1-800-876-4324 or visit here.
