City and federal leaders joined the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC) to officially launch the RTC Bike Share program in downtown Las Vegas. The launch included the declaration of Thursday, Oct. 27 as “Bike Share Day” and announcement of a special offer – half off all single-ride passes through the Dec. 31, 2016.
Held at the RTC Bike Share station on Third Street and Stewart Avenue by Downtown Grand’s The Commissary, the event highlighted the numerous aspects of the system. Bike sharing is a fun, inexpensive, and convenient way to travel around and see downtown Las Vegas for both residents and visitors alike.
City of Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman, who serves on the RTC board of commissioners, presented the “Bike Share Day” proclamation. To top off the celebration, several dozen cyclists dressed up as Elvis rode in on RTC Bike Share bikes to commemorate the system launch in the heart of Las Vegas.
Now with a 50-percent discount on single rides, users have even more incentive to try bike sharing. Bikes are available for 30-minute single rides for $4, and the half-price discount slashes that to $2 for the remainder of the year. Users can also purchase 24-hour passes for $8 and 30-day memberships for $20 online.
Rep. Dina Titus of the 1st Congressional District said, “The RTC Bike Share program is a great addition to the District’s robust transportation network which includes a multimodal transit system, complete sidewalks for pedestrians, and dedicated bike lanes.”
In total, 21 bike share stations throughout downtown hold 180 sleek bikes that residents, visitors and downtown employees can check out at one station and return to another station near their final destination.
“This is a historic day for our city,” said Goodman. “Working with the RTC and its bike share contractors, we are doing what progressive cities do to provide alternative forms of transportation that encourage healthy activity and a greener environment. This program perfectly complements the hundreds of dedicated green bike lanes in downtown Las Vegas.”
RTC Bike Share is an affordable, convenient and easy-to-use transportation alternative for trips that are too long to walk and too short to drive. The region’s first public bike share program highlights the RTC’s commitment to support all modes of transportation and meet consumer demand. RTC Bike Share is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to keep up with the city that never sleeps.
Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino Chairman Seth Schorr was also on hand to emphasize that bike sharing is a great new amenity for visitors, residents and employees in the downtown area.
RTC Bike Share is funded by a $1 million Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality improvement (CMAQ) grant from the Federal Highway Administration, which subsidizes state and local projects.