SusqueCycle, the Harrisburg area’s bike share program, recently added all new bikes to its fleet.
Steve Deck, executive director of Tri-County Regional Planning Commission, which runs the program, said the 60 new bikes are “sleeker and more comfortable,” with better location info to observe rider routes and plan for future expansions.
Deck said the system’s previous bikes will be donated to Recycle Bicycle Harrisburg. Founder Ross Willard said they're thankful for the contribution.
“The SusqueCycle bikes will certainly help us to get more local folks riding, to work, to school, for errands, for fun and a lot more,” Willard said.
The two organizations, along with prime sponsor the UPMC Pinnacle Foundation, showed off the new bikes at SusqueCycle’s Market Square station today.
Now in its second full season, SusqueCycle is also adding new stations, including the TransitPark lot at 10th and Market streets, with another one set for the State Capitol Complex at Commonwealth and North streets. This will bring the total number of stations to 11 in the City of Harrisburg -- downtown, in midtown, on City Island and in Allison Hill -- and one in Hummelstown Borough. The Hummelstown station also connects to the Hershey Bikes bike share program. More locations are in the works, including Paxtang Borough.
Deck said the ridership figures for this month are about 50 percent higher than last May’s numbers, which can probably be attributed to increased awareness of the system as well as the new bikes.
He said SusqueCycle’s first full season in 2023 was a “tremendous success for an initial roll-out,” with over 2,300 rides.
“Providing folks with more micromobility and sustainable transportation options is a worthwhile goal for the Harrisburg area,” he said. “Programs like SusqueCycle have a positive impact on the community because they reduce traffic congestion, improve the environment and promote a healthier lifestyle.”
More info can be found at www.susquecycle.org.