Frequently Asked Questions

I am worried about devices being parked on the sidewalk, blocking the path for walkers and cluttering the public right of way. How will this effort avoid device clutter?

This study is looking at what is called a docked bike share program. The e-bikes are required to be parked in a docking station. If users fail to park the e-bikes correctly, they will be charged a fine.

Is this program meant for tourists?

No! This program is meant to serve City of Golden community members, including people who live here and employees coming into Golden for work. This can be reinforced by station placement and pricing structures that focus on shorter rides, connecting people to key destinations and transit service.

Why don’t we just encourage people to buy their own e-bike instead?

E-bikes are expensive and can be very difficult to store given their size and weight, especially for people living in apartment buildings or homes with stairs. They can also be costly to maintain. While the state of Colorado used to offer e-bike rebates, the rebate program is no longer active.

Is bike share just for big cities?

No, bike share has been successful in Colorado cities, such as Arvada, Vail, Breckenridge, and Boulder.

Shouldn’t people just rent bikes from existing local businesses?

Bike share program serves a different purpose from local bike shop rentals. Bike share is designed as a transportation option for short one-way trips that typically take 30 minutes or less. It can be great for people who are commuting to work, running errands, or want to skip parking. Bike rentals from existing businesses are typically designed for multi-hour recreation outings and tend to be geared towards visitors.