Hoboken to Launch Bike Sharing Program in March 2015

Hoboken and Weehawken are working together to bring bike sharing to Hudson County. Nextbike, a next-generation bike share program using smart-bike technology, will bring bike sharing to Hoboken in March of 2015. The Hoboken/Weehawken system would be their first in the United States.

“We are looking forward to launching one of the first next-generation bike share systems in the country,” said Mayor Dawn Zimmer. “This high-tech but considerably lower cost approach is more scalable and flexible than traditional systems and could open the door for an expansion of bike sharing into neighborhoods and communities across the region and country – not just our largest cities.”

The first phase of the system will have a total of 300 “smart bikes” -- 230 bikes in Hoboken and 70 bikes in Weehawken. Smart bikes are the next generation of bike share technology.

Because the technology is new to the country, the electronic components manufactured by Nextbike, a German-based company, are still awaiting approval by the FCC, which is expected by late December. Nextbike currently has systems with more than 20,000 bikes in 70 cities across 14 countries.

“Weehawken is proud to be a part of this innovative program that will provide a healthy and green transportation option for our residents,” said Weehawken Mayor Richard F. Turner.

Financing for the system is being provided by Nextbike, and revenue will be generated through sponsorships, advertising, and membership fees at no cost to taxpayers.

Traditional bike sharing systems rely on a “smart dock” approach for storing bicycles, which requires expensive infrastructure for docking stations. The “smart lock” approach relies on bicycles with built-in locks and communications equipment, providing increased flexibility at a fraction of the cost of traditional systems. This system will feature several “smart dock” stations along with a majority of “virtual dock” stations using traditional bicycle rack.

The program will be operated by Bike and Roll, the largest bike tour and rental company in the United States.

“Bike and Roll is very excited to be working with Hoboken and Weehawken and to be a part of bringing next-generation bike share to the tri-state area,” Chris Wogas, President of Bike and Roll said. “I applaud the efforts of both Hoboken and Weehawken as they ensure that their residents receive the most flexible, technologically-advanced and customer-centric bike share platform available today.”

Photo courtesy of the City of Hoboken.