DISCOUNTED BALTIMORE BIKE SHARE PASSES New Downtown Partnership Access Pass provides affordable monthly bike share passes for low-income residents

Baltimore Bike Share announced that Downtown Partnership of Baltimore is providing $10,000 to subsidize new monthly Bike Share passes that give low-income residents better access to this convenient and healthy way of getting around town. With the new Downtown Partnership Access Pass, riders will pay just $3 for unlimited 1-hour trips each month, an 80% savings over the regular rate.

The Downtown Partnership Access Pass will be available Spring 2017 for the first 200 people who sign up. Passes may be renewed each month and cancelled at any time. To qualify for the Monthly Pass, residents must already be enrolled in the Maryland Food Supplemental Program. The Downtown Partnership Access Pass will also provide a free helmet for everyone who signs up.

“Bike Share is already an important part of Baltimore’s transit infrastructure and, thanks to the generosity of Downtown Partnership and the new Access Pass, it will be more affordable and easily available,” said Mayor Catherine Pugh. “If other organizations follow Downtown Partnership’s lead, we will be able to expand the program to more individuals and also provide how-to-ride classes.”

“Bike Share better connects our City and we want to do everything we can to promote its use, especially if it means removing a financial barrier,” said Downtown Partnership President, Kirby Fowler. “I encourage other businesses to do the same so that Bike Share is affordable and accessible to all who would like to use it.”

“Through the generosity of Downtown Partnership of Baltimore, Baltimore Bike Share is able to provide low-cost access to the City’s newest transit option and help lessen some of the transportation challenges faced by those in need,” said Frank Murphy, Acting Director of Baltimore City Department of Transportation. “The more organizations like Downtown Partnership that offer support, the better we can make the program.”

“There are still opportunities for businesses and community groups to align themselves with Baltimore Bike Share as it grows and gains new riders,” said Jon Laria, a partner at the law firm, Ballard Spahr and chair of the Mayor’s Bicycle Advisory Commission. “Ballard Spahr is a longstanding member of Downtown Partnership and commends The Partnership for leading by example.”

Bike Share has been an instant hit since it launched with 21 stations and 185 bikes this past October. Riders took more than 5,800 trips and rode 8,000 miles in the first 30 days of operation. The program is set to expand to 50 stations and 456 bikes in the Spring of 2017.

Any businesses or organizations looking to support Baltimore Bike Share should contact the Bike Share office within the Baltimore Department of Transportation: info@bmorebikeshare.com

Baltimore Bike Share launched in 2016 with the largest Pedelec (electric-assist) bicycle fleet in North America. It’s a leader in active transportation by offering both Pedelec and traditional options for residents and visitors to explore the City. Baltimore Bike Share is available 24/7 and is perfect for errands, commuting, or recreation.

Downtown Partnership of Baltimore is a non-profit corporation creating a more vibrant Downtown community for businesses, property owners, residents, and employees. Through its many initiatives, Downtown Partnership improves Downtown’s quality of life by increasing investment, retaining business, solving transportation challenges, improving parks and green space, and creating workforce development opportunities. For more than 30 years, these programs have been good for Downtown and good for Baltimore. www.GoDowntownBaltimore.com @DowntownBalt