'SkyBikeWPB could change the way people commute to work,' said Mayor Jeri Muoio. 'It will certainly provide a whole new perspective of our city to enjoy!'
West Palm Beach, Florida (PRWEB) March 07, 2015
“Biking is healthy, clean, economical and fun,” exclaimed Mayor Jeri Muoio. "It can help individuals get fit, stay healthy, improve air quality and reduce traffic congestion.”
“SkyBikeWPB” was named a sponsor for Sky Bridge Capital, a global investment firm with $12.5 billion in assets that will be moving into Palm Beach Gardens-based office space.
“We thought this would be a wonderful way for us to introduce ourselves into the community,” said Victor Oviedo, a partner at Sky Bridge Capital.
Residents and visitors to the city of West Palm Beach will be able to get around the compact downtown on a rented cycle, getting to their destinations faster, while reaping the benefits of exercise.
One hundred forty to one hundred fifty bikes will be supplied by German-based NextBike, at as many as 14 stations for annual, daily, weekly or monthly rental beginning in May 2015, as phase one begins, with locations that could include the Palm Beach County Convention Center; Tri-Rail station; Centennial Square/Fountain Park; Meyer Amphitheatre; E.R. Bradley’s restaurant; City Hall/Library complex; the Downtown Development Authority; CityPlace Publix; CityPlace Main Plaza; Clematis Street and Rosemary Avenue; Evernia Street and Dixie Highway; Hyatt/Phillips Point/One City Plaza; Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBAU); and the Palm Beach County courthouse.
The costs to install solar-powered bike stations and racks will be covered by consultant P3 Global Management (P3GM), who entered into a 10-year deal with the DDA.
“A smart city is a city that makes life easier for its people,” said P3GM CEO Carlos Pujol.
The costs are currently estimated to be $120-155 for an annual membership; $15-20 per month with a three-month commitment; and $12-17 per day, $25-35 per week or $40-60 per month for non-subscribers and walk-ups. An annual membership provides rider-renters with unlimited access.
The timely announcement comes during Florida Bike Month, celebrated throughout the state during the month of March. Locally, West Palm Beach will be having a “Bike to Work Day” sponsored by the City of West Palm Beach, the South Florida Commuter Services and the Florida Department of Transportation on March 13, encouraging residents to ride to work and stop by the City Hall courtyard for prizes from 7:00 to 9:00 a.m. On March 21, there will be a “Bike Rodeo" with the Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office (PBSO), at Westgate Park, 3691 Oswego Avenue in West Palm Beach, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. This family-friendly event will teach bike skills; participants should bring their bikes and helmets.
Bicycles in Florida are legally defined as a vehicle. Bicyclists have the same rights to the road and must observe the same traffic laws as drivers, including stopping at stop signs and red lights; riding with, and not against, traffic; using lights at night and yielding the right-of-way when entering a roadway.
The city plans to expand the program north and south of downtown later in the year.
“SkyBikeWPB could change the way people commute to work,” said Mayor Jeri Muoio. “It will certainly provide a whole new perspective of our city to enjoy!”
Visit skybikewpb.com to sign up for and get more information on the bike-sharing program.
