SoBi officially launched in Hamilton today

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Now that the nicer weather is here, chances are we’re going to see more cyclists on the road. Even though they’ve already been available, spring marks the official start of Hamilton’s bike share program.

You have probably already seen them. The blue, European styled bikes parked at rental stations throughout the city. SoBi – short for social bicycles – officially launched in Hamilton today although the not for profit operator has been testing them out since January.

“Despite the terrible sort of weather we had, especially in February we had lots of rides, thousands and thousands of kilometers of riding. A lot of people trying it who may not be into cycling, we’re really pleased with how well its gone” says Chelsea Cox from SoBi Hamilton. The cost of renting the bike ranges from four dollars an hour for the casual user to 85 dollars annually or 15 dollars per month.

Since January SoBi says it has signed up over 500 members with even more casual users.

Peter Tobalovic is the manager for Hamilton’s Bike Share Program “I just encourage people to give it a try. You can give it a try as a pay as you go. It’s only 3 dollars one time fee and then you pay per hour. Get on it see if you like it and see if it helps with your day to day life.”