Charlotte B-cycle is now Charlotte Joy Rides, Launching 343 E-Assist Bicycles and 4 New Stations

Nonprofit bike share program unveils new bikes, brand, and pricing model

CHARLOTTE (Sept. 30, 2020)—The bike share system Charlotteans have known, loved and trusted since 2012 is launching a new and improved bike experience called Charlotte Joy Rides, marked by the introduction of a fleet of 343 e-assist bicycles and the addition of 4 docking stations throughout Center City, bringing the system total to 33 stations.

Charlotte Joy Rides is the next chapter for Charlotte B-cycle Made Possible by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, which launched eight years ago as the South’s first bike-share system. The fleet of new battery-powered bikes gives riders the boost they need when faced with a hill or difficult riding situation, but still provide riders with a healthy “people-powered” form of transportation.

“The new Charlotte Joy Rides pedal-assist bikes are going to be life changing,” said Dianna Ward, executive director of Charlotte Joy Rides. “With the additional power from the electric assist, people will be able to travel farther faster.”

"We are so excited to unveil this new chapter for our mission-based bike share system," said Michael Smith, president and CEO of Charlotte Center City Partners. "Charlotte Joy Rides, with these e-assist bikes and new stations, is a game-changer for our community and will raise the bar on the experience our residents, workers, and guests enjoy as they move through Center City."

The e-assist bicycles feature original artwork created by Charlotte artists:

·Nick Napoletano

·Sydney Duarte

·Georgie Nakima

·Marcus Kiser

·Sam Guzzie

·Rosalia Torres

·Owl from Arko & Owl

Along with the new bicycles, Charlotte Joy Rides is activating new stations in the following locations:

·Camp North End

·Community Matters Café

·Rail Yard

·Siegel Point

Charlotte Joy Rides is grateful to title sponsor Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina and founding sponsor Atrium Health for their continued support and belief in this nonprofit transportation system.

“Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is one of the original sponsors of Charlotte B-cycle,” said Mike Restaino, community relations district manager at BCBS. “We are excited about Charlotte B-cycle’s evolution as it begins its new chapter as Charlotte Joy Rides and most importantly launch its new fleet of e-assist bikes. These bikes introduce a new era of transportation for Charlotteans and visitors—a fun and healthy way to explore Charlotte. We are also excited how these bikes will showcase art from various local artists.”

“For eight years, we’ve been very proud to sponsor Charlotte B-cycle as they offer a healthy transportation option for our community,” said Carol Lovin, executive vice president, chief integration officer and system chief of staff at Atrium Health. “Biking is a wonderful way to get around because it’s fun, it’s social and it gets you outside and exercising your heart and muscles. Enabling our communities to lead healthy lifestyles like this is one of many ways we strive daily to improve health, elevate hope and advance healing—for all.”

This purchase of the bikes and stations was made possible by a $1.675 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation, secured by the Charlotte Department of Transportation with matching funds from several local developers. Once fully deployed, Charlotte Joy Rides will be the only system in the south and one of two systems in the nation to be fully comprised of e-assist bikes.

As part of the re-launch, Charlotte Joy Rides is providing simplified, introductory pricing:

·Flash Pass: $5 for 30 minutes

·Joy Pass: $30 All Day (no docking required in a 24-hour period)

·Monthly and Annual Memberships: $50 per month or $150 per year

The Flash and Joy Passes are available at any Charlotte Joy Rides kiosk, on our mobile app or website. Subscriptions (monthly or annual memberships) are available on the app or website. Charlotte Joy Rides is accessible to all. Passes will be made available on an as-needed basis to anyone who would like to use the system but cannot afford the fees.

Charlotte B-cycle launched in July 2012 with 20 stations and 200 bikes. It is one of the oldest bike share systems in the country and an enduring example of public-private partnership with cooperation and support from the City of Charlotte. Throughout the years, developers and neighborhood leaders have invested our mission of becoming a “city of bikes” by purchasing stations for their properties, helping us grow from 20 stations to 33 stations. Our developer partners are:

·Crescent Partners

·Whitepointe Partners

·Fountain Southend

·Beacon Partners

·Camp North End

·Grubb Properties

·Friends of Fourth Ward

·South End CLT

·Silos South End

·Colonial Reserve South End

·Novare Group

·CW Development

·Tribridge