Cycling enthusiasts in Lexington can now pedal to their heart’s content, with the introduction of the city’s first bike-share system. The program that is known as LexRide was today launched and to mark the event, there was a ribbon clipping exercise that involved the city authorities, the community and a lot of enthusiasts.

The program launches 300 bicycles stationed in 30 different locations around the city where people visit often, or where they can access public transport and other amenities and dwelling units. Through a smartphone application or the cycle rental kiosks, people can ride bicycles at reasonable charges for short-term subscription or take annual subscriptions at more affordable rates.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was performed by Mayor Linda Gorton, who is very excited about implementing the program. ‘LexRide is one of the developments towards ensuring Lexington as a city that is Ecologically sustainable and convenient for the disabled,’ she said. This is not just a cheap transport option, but it will also create an increased level of health consciousness and help to reduce the level of emissions.

These specially designed bikes, with blue and white color combination, have built-in GPS, height sensitive saddle and holders for personal belongings. They also come with built-in safety lights and reflectors, ideal when cycling at night. The program works within a dockless system: this means that users can keep LexRide bikes at any particular LexRide cycle station of their choosing as opposed to having to drop off the bikes at the particular locations they hired them from.

The program’s architects include John Thompson, the director of the city’s transport department. Prosecutors have carefully examined similar programs in other cities and have adapted LexRide, according to the Lexington area, said the head of LexRide. ‘We would, however, like to note that our objective is primarily the offer of a convenient mode of first/last mile transport that will augment our existing public transport system.

Local businesses are already showing interest since the program may have local benefits. Sarah Chen, a coffee shop owner downtown, thinks LexRide will bring more customers to her business. I hope to see more of the city on bikes, she said. The author stated that it is good for business and a great way to develop a sense of community.

The program has also received a nod from the environmental groups. The Lexington Environmental Coalition welcomed the move, acknowledging that it would help Lexington in its endeavor to cut the carbon footprint of the city. Coalition spokesman Mark Davis says each bike ride is a car trip that is not happening. ‘In the long run, this can go a long way toward improving the quality of our air.’

For the program to work, the city has had to spend on new bike lanes and better road markings and signs. The state has also embarked on an aggressive publicity drive in so as to create awareness on road safety particularly among cyclists, pedestrians and motorists.

Kentucky University, one of the major institutions in the city, has supported the program. Currently, there are a number of LexRide stations that have been established across the compound to reach out to the students in that aspect of transport. University President Eli Capilouto believes that the program fits perfectly well in the institution’s long-term sustainability plan. ‘We are always seeking opportunities to minimize our presence in the natural environment,’ he said. ‘LexRide helps our students and staff to maintain their health and keep the campus and the greater city moving in an environmentally friendly way,’

Feeling good itself, yet some negative factors have been met such as bike clutter and rider safety concerns in specific districts. It also important to note that city officials downplay these issues stating that they have measures in place such as daily or weekly redistribution and constant public education on safe cycling.

The program is financed through federal as well as city and corporate grants. Kentucky based healthcare provider BlueCross BlueShield of Kentucky has embarked on sponsoring the program, because it is viewed as a way to encourage the citizens of Lexington to get more active in their day to day activities.

On the occasion of the launch, the city wants people to give the system a shot and thus will provide a month’s free service. Apparently, the early adopters are quite taken with the cubicles. ”I have used it twice today,” added Tom Baker, a resident of Lexington. ‘There is nothing better for short trips within the town, and I also enjoy having to go around looking for a space to park.’

The future for growth strategies is therefore already being planned out by city planners. Some plans speak about the expansion of bicycle quantity and stations, and the implementation of electric bicycles into the fleet in the future.

Here is why LexRide is not merely the novel transit solution to get around town but the manifestation of the city’s passion for progress and environmental friendliness. In this regard, the program when on the test run creates possibilities of redesigning how the residents of the city as well as the visitors perceive the city as a healthier place that fosters physical activity and connectivity.

At the end of the first day of LexRide, people can see the bicycled painted in blue and white moving through city streets, which is growing evidence of the transformation of Lexington urban space. Whether for working or business or leisure these bikes are expected to become a common and pleasing figure in the city.

With this; Lexington falls among progressive cities that are adopting different transport means that are environmentally friendly. Only then will the traffic, health, and camaraderie benefits LexRide will bring Lexington will become apparent after individuals start to integrate the bike-sharing program into their lives.