Malden To Add Bluebike Stations

MALDEN, MA - Malden will add at least three Bluebike stations within city limits in the coming weeks, Mayor Gary Christenson confirmed on Thursday, marking the first stations in Malden for the Boston-based bikeshare network.

The Bluebike expansion in Malden comes thanks to efforts by Ward 6 City Councilor Steve Winslow and the Metropolitan Area Planning Council to develop a joint procurement plan with other area cities, according to Christenson.

Malden is hoping to get its Bluebike program online at some point in September, Christenson said.

Initial stations will be set up at the Malden Center MBTA station, at Malden High School and along the Northern Strand Community Trail near the Breakfast Club restaurant in Malden.

The city will look to expand its Bluebike program if the initial launch goes well, Christenson said.

The Bluebike program dates back to 2011, offering bikesharing services in and around Boston. It has expanded over the years, now including a number of communities in the area.

Though the system may not be operational in Malden in time, the city of Boston has offered free Bluebike passes for use during the Orange Line’s 30-day shutdown as an additional mode of alternate transportation for impacted commuters.

Malden was previously part of a bikesharing network operated by the company Lime. Where Bluebikes revolve around fixed stations where riders pick up and return bikes, the Lime model offered a “dockless” format, allowing riders to simply leave their bikes when they were done using them.

Lime launched in Malden in April of 2018 before shutting down when the company opted to not renew its contract for the Boston area for 2020.