Miami Beach residents and visitors now have a new option for traveling around this beautiful city in a cost efficient and environmentally friendly manner. DecoBike recently unveiled its top of the line beach cruiser bikes earlier this month to South Florida.
This spring, DecoBike, the first public, bike-sharing and rental service program in Florida, designed for residents and tourists to use commuter bikes for short, local trips anywhere within the city. Similar programs have been extremely successful in international cities such as Paris and Barcelona. In the first 48 hours of operation of the DECOBIKE program, more than 1,000 trips were made on DecoBikes!
“DecoBike is the newest addition to our list of successful parking and transportation programs such as I-Park, the hybrid-car incentives and other similar programs that have made getting around the beach easier,” said Miami Beach Parking Director Saul Frances.
As interested bikers approach the many stations located around the city, all one has to do is swipe a major credit card, chose a bicycle and ride it to their location of interest. DecoBike stations are strategically located in front of all major tourist attractions- Lincoln Road, Washington Avenue, along Ocean Drive, and much more.
The program will bring an initial fleet of 1,000 shiny new silver DecoBike designed with the City’s official colors, clearly marked with the DecoBike logo, a front-basket and even a bell so that you can announce that you are gently coming through. An adjustable seat and low-rise frame can easily accommodate most adult riders.
DecoBike is not only expected to help reduce traffic congestion and is environmentally-friendly, but it can also contribute to your health through exercise. “Our bikes are ideal for local commuters. Rather than sitting in your car, your body is getting a workout and burning calories no matter how short the distance, plus you significantly reduce your carbon footprint. It’s a win-win concept,” said DecoBike’s Vice President, Colbert Reese.
This system accommodates to both visitors and residents by offering rentals by the hour or with a monthly membership called the Beach Pass. It’s easy for Florida residents to sign up on the DecoBike website and no security deposit is required.
As a part of its transportation program, Miami Beach has also designed shared-lanes for bicycles and vehicles, the first of which have been installed on Washington Avenue stretching from South Pointe Drive to Dade Boulevard. The shared lanes indicate the proper direction for bikes to with traffic plus they aim to improve awareness for automobile drivers and cyclists that both may share the road.
To learn more about the DecoBike program, visit www.DecoBike.com or check out their South Beach store located at 723 Washington Avenue (call for store hours 305.532.9494), where you can ask questions about the program, get a helmet or sign-up for a membership.
