Valley bike share program launches in Tempe

PHOENIX — A regional bike share program that is offered in several Phoenix-area cities has finally made its way to Tempe.

The Grid Bike Share program, which allows users to rent bicycles located around the city, debuted in Tempe on Monday. The service is already offered in Phoenix and Mesa.

Mackenzie Keller, a spokeswoman for Tempe’s transportation department, said it’s simple for users to take the “bright green [bikes] with baskets and bells” for a spin: All they need to do is download a mobile app.

Keller said users can also reserve a bike online or at the bike itself, using its keypad. They will then be given a 4-digit PIN code, which they will use to unlock the bike — “then you take it for your stroll,” Keller said.

Riders in Tempe can pick up one of 300 bicycles located at 30 stations around the city, and they can return them at any station in Tempe, Phoenix or Mesa.

Keller said a solar GPS-enabled tracking system allows officials to track the bikes and make sure they do not get stolen.

Users can rent a bike at an hourly rate of $7, or more frequent users can purchase weekly or monthly subscriptions. Arizona State University students are also offered a special rate of $25 for six months.