E-Bluebikes Coming To Salem Via $250K MA Grant

SALEM, MA — Salem will add 20 e-bikes and 100 more traditional bicycles to its Bluebikes fleet through a $250,000 grant from the state Shared Streets and Spaces program.

The pedal-assist electric bicycles will be available to ride at Bluebikes stations throughout Salem beginning spring 2025.

"Bluebikes supports the local economy by allowing people to reach local shops and restaurants regardless of car traffic and limited car parking," Salem Mayor Dominick Pangallo said. "In addition to our expanding multiuse path network, the Salem Ferry, Salem Skipper, the commuter
rail and MBTA services, the bikeshare advances our community's goal to reduce the carbon footprint of our transportation sector."

E-bikes are part of the fleet in Boston, Cambridge, Somerville, Everett and Brookline. While they can be dropped off in any Bluebikes community in Massachusetts, Salem has been required to return them to the host community when they do arrive. This grant will allow Salem to maintain its own fleet of pedal-assisted bikes.

The city's Public Works and Parking Staff also recently deployed 37 new public bike racks throughout the city — including 17 racks affixed to parking meter poles downtown near shops, restaurants and other popular destinations.

Another 20 stand-alone racks were installed on sidewalks on Bridge Street neck, North Street, and Church Street.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)