Camden County Bike Share program aims to get residents outdoors

Residents of Camden County who may lack a source of transportation will get to enjoy some fresh air on two wheels this spring.

More than 200 used bicycles have already been collected, just in time for the start of Camden County’s new bike share program later this month.

The program’s goal is to refurbish each and every bike that is donated so that residents can get outside and enjoy being out in the open. In two weeks, the program will be launched and all are welcome to help out. Currently, there are close to 20 volunteers donating there time to make sure everything is ready.

Not only are volunteers working hard, but the municipalities are involved as well. According to Jeffrey Nash, a Freeholder and liaison to the Parks Department in Camden County, the Camden County municipalities have been helping to create the distribution points for the bikes.

“We have great people who work in Camden County,” Nash said. “They are always thinking about great things they can do for residents.”

There are plenty of bikes that have been donated thus far, but the Bike Share program is still looking for more.

Organizers say they will accept any and all bikes, no matter the condition. Nash says so far a lot of residents seem to want to get involved.

“The response has been overwhelming.”

Aside from asking residents for their used bikes, the Bike Share program is looking for more volunteers to help with getting the bikes in working order and to help distribute them at the different locations.

The program welcomes residents of all ages who would like to volunteer their time. Bike Share organizers say they are willing to train anyone who may need it.

“We accept anyone with good intentions and preferably with bike experience,” said Nash.

Camden County Freeholders say they created the program to help improve safety of the environment and the overall health of residents.

“I’m an avid runner and bike rider. The Freeholders are worried about the unhealthiness of this generation and it’s a way to combat that,” Dan Keashen, a spokesman for the Freeholders said. “And every car we can get off the road will make the county a better place from a clean air perspective.”

There are plenty of bike trails in the South Jersey area and whether it’s for recreational purposes or a means of transportation for some, the program will get people outside and out of their vehicles. Once the bikes are in working order and ready to be distributed, residents who may need the ride are welcome to have a bike for a nominal fee.

Although the program has yet to officially get up and running, the future seems bright. Residents have been volunteering their time and many bicycles have already been donated. Down the road, the Bike Share program could be welcomed in other counties as well Nash says.

“Good ideas have a way of transcending their borders.”

Bike repairs will take place on Wednesday’s and Saturday’s at the Camden County Health and Executive Campus. Residents are encouraged to get involved in the cause, whether by donating their time or their bike.

You can find out more about the program and how to get involved  on the Camden County website.

If you are interested in volunteering your time to the Camden County Bike Share program, or have a bicycle to donate, contact the Camden County Division of Environmental Affairs at (856) 858-5241 or email ccbikeshare@camdencounty.com.

Below, we’ve included a map with the participating Bike Share areas in Camden County thus far