North America’s First Electric-Assist Bike Share System Coming to Birmingham

Starting in mid-September, Birmingham will become the first city in the Western Hemisphere to launch a bike share system.

The system will include 400 bikes and 40 docking kiosks throughout the city with hopes to stimulate the economy and lead to fewer cars on the streets. REV Birmingham, an economic development organization in the City of Birmingham, estimates the project will cost a million dollars a year. The money will come from the rental price, private donations and federal grants.

This system will be the first in North or South America to have electric pedal assist bikes, which will help riders along on Birmingham’s rugged terrain.

REV Birmingham estimates that each bike will likely rent for $6 for a 24-hour period and $75 dollars for a yearly pass. Riders will be able to make credit card payments at one of the 40 kiosks to be installed around the city.

I think it's time we push for a bike share system in Tuscaloosa to relieve some of the growing traffic congestion. What do you think?