Downey launches bicycle share program

DOWNEY – Residents will now be able to rent and cruise bikes around Downey, thanks to the new bike share program that the city kicked off last week.

Those wishing to rent a bike can now do so through the Zagster Bike Share app, which is available through the Apple App Store and Google Play store. Through the app, users can select to pay the $1 per half hour fee or the $25 annual membership which gives several perks, including free rides and reduced prices.

Mayor Rick Rodriguez said that with the new program, Downey is “staying ahead of rapidly changing travel needs.”

“The installation of the bike share program is one of the examples of one of our investments in today’s eco-friendly bike lanes,” said Rodriguez.

“This program will pay dividends tomorrow…bike share programs and bike lanes help stop global warming and provide real healthy options to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Each bike on the road means one less car.”

“This new program will bring added value to our city and our residents.”

According to Councilman Alex Saab, the bike share plan was made possible through a grant the city received from Metro.

“This was something that we’ve been discussing for many years and finally came to fruition,” said Saab. “We are very proud of it.”

City officials held a ribbon cutting ceremony at the bike station located at Discovery Park, which can be found behind the Downey Promenade and next to the Columbia Memorial Space Center.

There will be several other bike rental stations throughout the city, including at the commons located at Gallatin Road and Lakewood Boulevard, at Stonewood Mall, and at two locations in Downtown Downey located at the transit center and outside the parking structure on New Street and 2nd Street.