New bike share scheme set for summer launch

Get set to cycle your way around the city again with a new bike share scheme launching this week.

Mayor Tom Tate has announced Lime as the new operator of the bike share, with 750 bikes being rolled out across the city over the next fortnight, at no cost to ratepayers.

“We know how much everyone loves to explore the city by bike given the success of our previous bike share company, which saw 100,000 users and the bikes being used twice a day,” he said.

“The new Lime bikes will make cycling even more accessible - they’re pedal assisted, dockless and can be easily locked and unlocked using an app.”

Mayor Tate said the bike share was another way the City was investing in active transport infrastructure and supporting sustainable travel.

“By choosing a form of active travel – by bike, bus, tram, foot or ferry – you’re helping to reduce the demand on our road network and doing something good for yourself as well.”

Lime’s Head of Government Affairs for ANZ, Lauren Mentjox, said the company was excited to be able to bring its shared e-bike service to the Gold Coast.

“E-bikes are a safe, sustainable and convenient transport option and we can’t wait to see them on local streets,” she said.

“We look forward to working with the City of Gold Coast to help people to move around and get to the places they want to go.’’

The bikes will be located from Runaway Bay to Burleigh and as far west as Helensvale, Benowa and Robina.  You can hire one on the spot or by using the Lime app.

The Lime bikes have built in GPS systems with the potential for the number of bikes to be increased and moved around the city, based on demand.

Hire fees are $1 to unlock and 45 cents per minute; or $16.99 for a 24 hour pass. Cyclists are reminded to always wear a helmet, share the path and keep wide of others.

Lime says it will proactively monitor the bikes to ensure the city’s visual amenity and safety remains a priority.

The red and lime bikes are branded ‘Jump is now Lime’ because Lime recently acquired the Jump fleet from Uber. 

Chief Executive of  Bicycle Queensland Rebecca Randazzo said a recent Bicycle Queensland survey showed more than 50% of participants said they’d be interested in trying an e-bike, showing an appetite for new technology and an easier riding experience in the bicycle space.

“Active transport plays an important role in creating a robust, connect transport network.  It is wonderful to see the City of Gold Coast investing in sustainable transport choices which complements its investment in the green bridges connections. The combination of safe, purposeful infrastructure and e-bikes is a win:win for the Gold Coast.”