First multi-station bike share program launches at the Jersey Shore

The Jersey Shore’s first multi-station bike sharing program is now live. 

Asbury Park in Monmouth County, in partnership with bike sharing firm Zagster, is now offering bikes for rent from six locations in the small coastal city, connecting the train station, central business district, and waterfront area. 

Similar to programs in New York City and Washington D.C., customers use a smartphone app to unlock a bike, which can then be returned to any of the locations. 

Bike rentals cost $3 per hour. An annual membership is $30, which includes two hour trips for free then $3 after.

The city sought bids for the program earlier this year in the hopes of increasing mobility and reducing traffic congestion. 

“One of the ways we can increase parking availability, particularly during our peak summer season, is to provide other means of transportation to travel to and from the Transportation Center, the waterfront, and other destinations all over the City,” the city’s Transportation Manager Mike Manzella said earlier this year. 

Deputy Mayor Amy Quinn added that the program will help address numerous mobility concerns simultaneously in the city, which recently installed 10 bike racks downtown.

“Better biking facilities and programs is part of the city’s larger commitment to making our roads better for everyone, whether they’re in a car, on foot, or on a bike,” she said. 

The Jersey Shore’s ever-revitalizing city by the sea, in 2015 Asbury Park was ranked by Travel + Leisure magazine as one of the best places to travel in the world. 

Further south, Atlantic City offers one bike sharing location operated by Spinway. Another company is seeking to launch a bike share program throughout the Absecon Island communities.