Biketown Offering Cash Option to Encourage More Participants

Biketown, Portland's bike share program, is hoping to expand by introducing Biketown for All, a new program allowing people to pay cash to purchase memberships.

Officials say by allowing people to pay cash, it increases the chances that lower-income people might become members. Biketown for All will also provide bike safety education and free helmets.

“In less than four months, BIKETOWN has proven to be one of our most effective and visible means of spreading our active transportation message," said Portland Bureau of Transportation Director Leah Treat, who oversees the program.

"Now with Biketown for All, we’re taking a major step forward. By becoming only the third US city to offer a low-cost cash membership option, we are making it even easier for more Portlanders to get out and ride.”

Biketown says that Portlanders living on low incomes and who are affiliated with participating housing, social service and community organizations can sign up and receive a discounted membership for $3 per month.

Initially, Biketown for All memberships will only be available through participating affordable housing, social service and nonprofit organizations. People interested in obtaining a BIKETOWN for All membership should speak to their case manager or resident service manager and ask them to complete an interest form available at www.BIKETOWNforAll.org. In the future, BIKETOWN for All workshops will be open to individuals who are not connected with a referral agency.

Photo courtesy Biketown