The bike share system known as Charlotte B-cycle is launching a new and improved bike experience called Charlotte Joy Rides, marked by the introduction of a fleet of 343 pedal assist bicycles plus the addition of 4 docking stations throughout Center City, for a new total of 33 stations.
Charlotte Joy Rides is the next chapter for Charlotte B-cycle, which launched eight years ago as the South’s first bike-share system. The fleet of new battery-powered pedal assist bikes give you a boost if you need it in a difficult riding situation, but still provides a healthy “people-powered” form of transportation. The assist feature allows the bike to go up to 15 mph, making it much easier to get around Uptown and the city.
The Joy Rides bikes also feature an adjustable seat post, front baskets, fenders, skirt guards and chain guards keep your clothes clean. Their automatic lights help keep you safe and the bikes have three speeds.
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 (aka pedal assist) bikes. 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.
The best part about these new bikes ~ other than they’re speedy & easy ~ is that the bikes themselves feature original work by seven of Charlotte’s brightest artists. In partnership with Atrium Health, Blue Cross of North Carolina and Charlotte City Center Partners, Joy Rides commissioned seven local artists to design the fleet of bikes. The e-assist bicycles feature original artwork created by these local artists:
- Nick Napoletano
- Sydney Duarte
- Georgie Nakima
- Marcus Kiser
- Sam Guzzie
- Rosalia Torres
- Owl from Arko & Owl
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 their 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.
The new Joy Ride stations will be in the following locations:
- Camp North End
- Community Matters Café
- Rail Yard
- Siegel Point
About Charlotte Joy Rides
Charlotte Joy Rides, made possible by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, with founding sponsor Atrium Health, is a program of the CCCP Community Trust. It aspires to increase bicycle usage in Charlotte and to decrease vehicle trips, thereby improving health and air quality. Charlotte Joy Rides provides a convenient network of public use bicycles rented at a low cost for short-distance trips. The system makes biking a more convenient and better integrated part of Charlotte’s transportation system. For more information, visit www.charlottejoyrides.com.
