Alpharetta Bike Share Program Expands To Avalon

ALPHARETTA, GA -- An initiative designed to give people an alternative mode of transportation in certain areas around Alpharetta is gaining momentum. 

The city's Bike Share program has expended to Avalon. The mixed-used development's bike sharing station, located in its Central Deck, will connect with three existing stations along the Big Creek Greenway: North Point at 6698 North Point Parkway, Rock Mill Park at 3100 Kimball Bridge Road and the Ed Isakson/Alpharetta Family YMCA at 3657 Preston Ridge Road.

Starting Friday, bikes will be available at Avalon for guests to use for on-demand, local trips. All trips under three hours are free. There is a $3 cost for each additional hour. Biking enthusiasts can also purchase an annual pass for $20, cutting the cost to $2 for each additional hour. 

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“We constantly look for ways to bring unique experiences and connect with the Alpharetta community,” said Liz Gillespie, vice president of marketing at North American Properties. “Offering the community the opportunity to travel to, from and around Avalon via bike is just another way we to celebrate wellness, leisure and – of course – fun.”  

The city's initiative launched May 9, and allows residents to utilize the Zagster app for the bike share program, said Amy Rickman, marketing director with the Alpharetta Recreation and Parks Department. 

Residents can go online and sign up for an account to take part in the program. Each bike has a unique number riders enter in the app or online to obtain a single-use code to open a lockbox on the back of the bike. 

A key, stored inside and tethered to the lockbox, allows a bike to be secured throughout the ride. The rental ends when a bike is returned to an Alpharetta Bike Share station, allowing the bike to be available for the next rider to enjoy.

The program features the Zagster 8, a cruiser bike that comes with a spacious basket, allowing riders to store their personal belongings, groceries or even takeout.

The city incurred an initial cost to set up the stations and will have an annual cost to access Zagster's program. However, the company provides the maintenance, bikes and technology needed for the program to work. 

Rickman said the program is perfect for citizens who need to make a lunch-time run. 

“It’s also great for folks because it makes accessing the Greenway convenient," she said. 

Councilman Jason Binder has expressed a keen interest in getting the program up and running in the city. Binder, who is in his first term on the City Council, said he hopes the initiative will continue to make Alpharetta's network of parks popular with residents.

He also said he's heard nothing but positive feedback from citizens who've tried out the Bike Share program. When asked what areas around the city would be an ideal area of expansion, Binder mentioned the area around the City Center and Alpharetta City Hall as prime locations. 

 “i hope to continue its success," he said. 

For more information or to sign up for the program, click here. 

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Photo: City Councilman Jason Binder tests the Alpharetta Bike Share Program. Credit: city of Alpharetta