Pedal Power
ValleyBike Share adds docking station at HCC
Holyoke Community College has hopped on board with ValleyBike Share. That means a fleet of electric-assist bicycles is now available to students, faculty and staff at HCC for short-term rentals.
The ValleyBike Share docking station at HCC opened Monday, Sept. 9, on the plaza near the bus loop between the Donahue and Frost buildings, adding to a growing network of bike-sharing stations in the Pioneer Valley.
The Pioneer Planning Commission launched ValleyBike Share in 2018. There are now more than 40 similar stations in Amherst, Northampton, Easthampton, Holyoke, South Hadley and Springfield.
For as little as $2 a ride for a single trip, riders can rent a bicycle and drop it off at any of the other ValleyBike stations. Unlimited day passes are $6. Monthly memberships cost $20. Annual memberships are $90, according to the ValleyBike Share website.
Members receive cards that allow them to unlock and activate the bicycles. Occasional riders can use the system with the help of the ValleyBike Share mobile app.
The bicycles can be pedaled like regular bikes or powered with the help of an electric-assist feature to get up those tough hills.
PHOTO: Valley Bike Share kiosk at HCC is located in the plaza by the bus circle.
