Dr. Marcus Webb
A new and exciting development is on its way to Surrey, as the city prepares to launch an electric bike share program. The program will be introduced as a two-year pilot project, debuting at the highly anticipated Party for the Planet festival on Saturday, April 27th.
Similar programs have been successfully implemented in other cities by Bird Canada, a leading Canadian micro-mobility provider. However, due to specific provincial regulations, the program in Surrey will initially offer only electric bikes for sharing.
To participate in the program, users will need to download the Bird Canada app. Through the app, they can easily locate and scan an available electric bike, allowing them to ride conveniently to their desired destination. Once the bike is no longer needed, users can park it in designated parking sites across Surrey, clearly marked on the app to ensure proper placement.
In Surrey, the cost to unlock an electric bike is $1.15, with an additional charge of 38 cents per minute of usage. For those interested in longer-term access, ride pass options for single or multi-day use will be available.
According to Austin Spademan, Bird Canada’s head of government partnerships, the initial rollout will introduce 250 electric bikes to Surrey, with plans to increase the fleet size to 400 over time. This phased approach aims to provide residents with ample opportunity to adjust to the new transportation option and incorporate it into their daily commuting routines.
The City of Surrey selected Bird Canada to operate the e-bike share system pilot project after a request for proposals last fall. It’s important to note that although some cities in British Columbia currently offer shared e-scooters, Surrey is currently limited to electric bikes due to current regulations. However, the statement from Surrey’s engineering department indicates that there may be a possibility of exploring e-scooter operations in the future, pending new provincial pilot programs.
As the launch date approaches, residents and visitors to Surrey can look forward to a more sustainable and eco-friendly alternative for their transportation needs. With the goal of reducing car usage and lowering carbon emissions, the electric bike share program brings a breath of fresh air to the city, giving individuals the opportunity to make a positive impact on their environment while enjoying the convenience of a modern transportation solution.
Stay tuned for further updates and exciting advancements as Surrey joins the growing list of cities embracing micro-mobility options for a greener future.
The introduction of an electric bike share program in Surrey is an exciting development that aligns with the global trend towards sustainable transportation solutions. This program follows the success of similar initiatives in other cities by Bird Canada, a leading micro-mobility provider in Canada.
The decision to initially offer only electric bikes in Surrey is due to specific provincial regulations. However, there is a possibility of expanding the program to include e-scooters in the future, pending new provincial pilot programs.
To participate in the program, users will need to download the Bird Canada app. Through the app, they can easily locate and scan an available electric bike, making it convenient for them to ride to their desired destination. The app also provides information about designated parking sites, ensuring that bikes are placed properly after use.
The cost for using an electric bike in Surrey is $1.15 to unlock the bike, with an additional charge of 38 cents per minute of usage. There are also ride pass options available for those interested in longer-term access, such as single or multi-day passes.
The initial rollout of the program in Surrey will introduce 250 electric bikes, with plans to increase the fleet size to 400 over time. This phased approach allows residents to gradually adjust to the new transportation option and incorporate it into their daily commuting routines.
The City of Surrey selected Bird Canada to operate the e-bike share system pilot project, following a request for proposals last fall. This demonstrates the city’s commitment to providing its residents with sustainable and eco-friendly transportation alternatives.
As the launch date approaches, residents and visitors to Surrey can look forward to a greener future with reduced car usage and lower carbon emissions. The electric bike share program not only offers a modern and convenient transportation solution but also allows individuals to make a positive impact on their environment.
For updates on the program and advancements in micro-mobility options in Surrey, stay tuned to Bird Canada’s website.
