Photo by Mike Mowery
A third dockless bikeshare company is scheduled to begin operating in a demonstration area beginning Dec. 7, according to a press release.
Spin, founded in San Francisco in 2016, will join Limebike and Ofo to offer riders the chance to pick one of 100 Spin-branded bikes, ride it to a destination and park it on public space for the next user.
The county has also designated specific areas to park shared bikes on Ellsworth Street next to Veterans Plaza and on Ripley Street behind the Silver Spring Transit Center.
Dockless bikeshare companies do not rely on fixed bike stations. Rather, customers download a mobile phone app with GPS from the company to locate a nearby bike and unlock it.
As previously reported, Limebike and Ofo signed agreements with the county and began offering service in late October. The first company to agree to participate in the pilot program, Mobike, has not yet placed any bikes for use in the demonstration area (see map below).
However, the Source has learned from a DOT representative that Mobike is expected to begin deploying bikes next week as well, possibly as soon as Monday.
“By making dockless bikeshare available, [the county’s Department of Transporation] is continuing to increase the range of high-quality transportation choices our residents deserve. Providing more ways to bike, walk and take transit benefits everyone, including drivers, as we move more people in fewer vehicles. It’s better for our economy, our community and a sustainable Montgomery County,” said DOT Director Al Roshdieh.
Map of the Silver Spring dockless bikesharing demonstration area from DOT