Important Update View this email in your browser Attention Baltimore BikeShare Members As many of you have noticed, Baltimore BikeShare has experienced a reduction in service over the past few weeks. This has resulted in an unfortunate lack of availability in certain parts of the city as we’ve worked to engineer solutions to the problem. The Baltimore BikeShare team wants to assure you that the bikes and bike share program are safe and that a comprehensive solution to this frustrating issue is underway.



Please read the following press release that went out today from the city.



BALTIMORE, MD (September 12, 2017) The Baltimore City Department of Transportation today announced that the Baltimore Bike Share will be undergoing a temporary shutdown for maintenance and equipment upgrades in advance of the program’s one-year anniversary.



Starting on September 17, 2017, a temporary shutdown of the bike share system will be initiated so that maintenance work and system improvements can be performed. Preparation for phase II station expansion will also be initiated during this time. It is anticipated that operations will resume by October 15, 2017.



In addition, upgraded security features will be incorporated during this period as a response to isolated thefts this summer. The combination of always-on GPS and enhanced security equipment will improve the safety and security of the bike share system.



With nearly 1,800 active users and 40,000 trips, Baltimore Bike Share has experienced high ridership since it was initially launched. The temporary shutdown period will allow Baltimore Bike Share to incorporate necessary improvements and continue the strong momentum into its second year of operation. Riders can expect more information on planned improvements and promotions in the coming weeks.



We Hear Your Frustration Loud and Clear...Loud..And..Clear. We sincerely apologize and completely understand the inconveniences many have experienced over the past few months. We also realize that, due to these inconveniences, some of our founding annual/monthly members feel they haven’t gotten the full value of their memberships this year. We want to make this right. Next week, these members will receive an email with instructions on how to extend their memberships at no charge. Additionally, we’ll be hooking up our other members with free rides and other fun stuff.

We hope our members are understanding to some of the challenges involved in running this type of program in Baltimore. Please know that the Baltimore BikeShare team loves this town dearly and we are dedicated to making this work for all of us.

Look for a separate email coming soon with info on extending your membership and more. New and Exciting Stuff Coming! New bikes, new station locations, new functionality, new partners, new parties, better communication, better security features and more. Details to follow over the next coming weeks.