Summati
THE
n Weekly USPS Publication Number 16300
T h is C om mu n i t y N ewsp a p er is a pu bl ica t ion of E sca m bia / S a n ta Rosa B a r Assoc ia t ion
Section A, Page 1
Vol. 17, No. 41
Visit The Summation Weekly Online: www.summationweekly.com
October 18, 2017
1 Section, 8 Pages
Pedaling into the Future I
magine being able to travel all over downtown Pensacola without searching for a parking spot or ordering a Lyft. Across the country, bike share programs are gaining popularity with over 88 million trips made between 2010 and 2016 in 55 different systems, according to data from the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO). Next year, downtown Pensacola will be added to those statistics as it implements the city’s first bike share program. “Bike share mobility adds value to a city and allows people to move around
“They’ve cracked the code on how to position bikes,” Morse said in reference to Bike Share. “The only thing we have to do is say ‘yes.’ There’s no risk, no financial commitment.” Morse said the bike share program could be launched as early as February of next year. It’s perfect timing since downtown’s population will greatly increase with the anticipated Southtowne Apartments. “When that building fills to capacity, that’s (hundreds) of people moving downtown,” he said. “Not to mention other condos, apartments and hotels.” Sean Flood, CEO of The Gotcha Group calls Gotcha Bike a “turn key bike share program.” The program is funded through partnerships and sponsorships along with ridership fees. “Bike share is an alternative form of transportation that’s trending in other parts of the U.S.,” Flood said. “It’s less expensive, better for you, better for the environment. It shows the city really does care.” Representatives with Gotcha work with the city to customize the program including what the bikes would look like and where they will be available to rent. Flood said the bikes collect data that is tracked in real time to help determine best practices. “It shows data such as individual
trips and distance traveled,” he explained. “We’re about to break that down and draw real conclusions.” In May this year, Gotcha Bike was launched in Charleston, South Carolina. “The data and GPS technology are incredible,” said Brigette Lajoie of The Gotcha Group. “We launched 250 bicycles in the city of Charleston already, we have over 4,800 members that have taken over 14,800 trips, burning 1,300,000 calories, reducing 29,300 carbon emissions, and saving over $19,000 from biking versus driving.” On the Gotcha Bike website, the bike share rental is broken down into simple steps. People can reserve bikes using an app or directly at the bike using its keypad. Bikes are then unlocked with a four-digit code, which you’ll use again after you make any pit stops. To end a trip, just lock the bike at one of the hubs. On her recent trip to Pensacola, Lajoie said she felt Gotcha Bike would easily fit into Pensacola’s aesthetic. “The partnership just makes sense,” she said. “I think it would complement the ‘Upside of Florida.’” Gotcha Bike racks are not bolted in nor do they require electricity, which makes them easy to reposition as needed, Flood said. “We’re excited about it,” said
in a district for a low expense,” said Curt Morse, executive director of the Downtown Improvement Board. “And it’s a cool amenity.” Gotcha Bike, of the parent organization The Gotcha Group, will be working with the city to customize the program, Morse said. Since Gotcha Bike started in 2014, it has implemented bike share programs to 21 cities and universities around the U.S. including Florida State University and the city of Atlanta.
Flood. “This is nothing but a positive for the city. It promotes health and wellness, true sustainability, decreases the number of cars on the road. It really is a beautiful downtown area. It’s a natural fit.” Bike share is not only cost effective for the bike riders, but for the city as well. According to a 2011 article from the National League of Cities (NLC), city officials have found that building bicycling infrastructure is a better investment than car infrastructure. While an above ground parking garage could cost about $16,000 per space, on-street bicycle parking can cost about $150 per bike and is more space efficient.
By Jennifer Leigh As Morse points out, downtown Pensacola doesn’t so much have a parking problem, but a “walking problem” since not all parking is close to downtown attractions. The bike share program is just one of the new transportation methods coming to downtown next year. Also launching in spring of 2018, are the National Park Service ferries connecting passengers to downtown Pensacola, Gulf Island National Seashore and Pensacola Beach. Electric trams will also be implemented to shuttle ferry passengers. Morse said bike share is just another way to move people around
the city. It’s not only convenient, but allows people to explore and experience new parts of the city. If it proves successful in the downtown area, Morse said the program could expand to Pensacola Beach, Pensacola State College and the University of West Florida. “We’re looking at amenities that other cities have—cities that clearly get it,” Morse said. “We’re really no different than them. Our advantage is this huge natural resource called the beach. We want to deliver an experience that is memorable. We want people in other counties to say, ‘Why can’t we be like Pensacola?’”