An initiative to bring BCycle electric bicycles to Capitola is scheduled to launch in March, ahead of the tourism season in this seaside city.
A year ago, the City Council agreed to bring at least 50 BCycles and 100 docking stations for a five-year stretch. The council is supposed to approve the map of locations before installation.
Capitola is always jammed with traffic when tourists arrive, and this could give them — and local residents — a new option for getting around.
The reason BCycle was chosen is that it provides a place for the bicycle at the end of the ride, unlike other bikeshare companies where the vehicles were left on sidewalks and streets, creating hazardous conditions.
BCycle operates in more than 30 cities, including Nashville, San Antonio and Des Moines.
The city of Santa Cruz launched in June with 400 BCycles at 800 docks in the city and UC Santa Cruz.
A 2023 staff report said for one-time service in Capitola, the fee would be $7 per each 30 minutes which maxxes out at $75.
A monthly use subscription was $30, and an annual use $150.
BCycle, owned bv Trek, a family-owned company, with John Burke as president, and based in Waterloo, Wisconsin, launched in 2008.
BCycle and Trek are financing all capital and operating costs to get the docking stations and BCycle bikes in Capitola, Pleasure Point, Twin Lakes and Live Oak, according to Tiffany Martinez, spokesperson for the county Department of Public Works & Infrastructure.
She expects BCycle’s official launch in Capitola, Pleasure Point, Twin Lakes and Live Oak in March 2024.
Photo © 2023 BCycle