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Bike Share Hopes to Foster Jobs, Tourism in Madison

What if visitors to town had a cheap, convenient way to tour town shops, parks, and beaches—one that doesn’t involve adding to summer traffic and parking? That’s the premise behind a new bike-share program rolling into Madison this summer.

While there had been some interest in creating a bike-share program in Madison, the idea began to come to fruition after members of the community approached Vista Vocational & Life Skills Center. For the past several months, a committee has met to figure out the logistics of the program that will not only create employment opportunities for those in the Vista program, but also promote local tourism.

“There’s been a lot of buzz about it,” said Malley O’Shea, director of organizational development and communications at Vista. “We are getting the logistics figured out, but the excitement around town has been propelling us to move forward.”

Vista and the Madison Chamber of Commerce formed a committee and have three local inns—Scranton Seahorse Inn, Tidewater Inn, and Madison Beach Hotel—committed to serving as hubs for the bike rentals.

“The teamwork around town has been incredible to be a part of,” said O’Shea. “The three inns and the Chamber have been very supportive and made great efforts to get it launched. It’s been a great partnership on all fronts.”

For $10 a day, people can rent a bike, which comes with a helmet, a lock, and a basket on the bike. In the inaugural year, the program will have 15 bikes available for rent beginning Memorial Day weekend.

“It’s a great way to encourage people to get around town, encourage tourism, and encourage exercise,” said Chamber Director Eileen Banisch. “People can take it shopping, sightseeing, or to the beaches—you don’t need a beach pass when you go in on a bike.”

Sponsorship opportunities are also available at $250 a bike. The sponsor’s name will be displayed on the basket, along with the Madison Bike Share logo.

Zane’s Cycles has been an integral part of the launch of the program, not only getting the helmets and baskets for the bikes at cost, but also training those at Vista in bike maintenance, tune-ups, and repairs.

“Employment is such a meaningful piece of life and a big self-esteem booster,” said O’Shea. “This kind of program, where they get to have a paycheck, interact with community members, and be a part of a community initiative, is so important.”

To rent a bike, call or visit one of the participating inns.