Bike Sharing on Woodstock Trails

If you think you’ve noticed more bikes than usual on the Greenprints trails, you aren’t imagining things. Zagster Inc. has launched a new bike-share program, thanks to funding by Rezide Properties, for Woodstock residents to experience the trails in a new way.

Ten cruiser bikes are available at three stations for members to use for on-demand, local trips. Riders join the program by signing up for a membership. Rides for members — who must be 18 or older — are free for the first hour, then $3 per hour after.

“It’s a privilege to be able to contribute to the community that we not only live in, but also earn our living in,” Rezide partner Tony Perry said. “We’re excited about helping others just live better and this is just another way our residents and visitors can enjoy the beautiful surroundings of downtown Woodstock.”

Woodstock’s bike share features the Zagster 8, an award-winning bike known for its practical design, comfortable ride and easy handling. The bike includes a spacious basket that’s perfect for carrying groceries, takeout, or personal belongings. And because rider safety is a priority, every bike includes automatic lights, a bell and full reflectors.

Woodstock’s bike share promises to ease commutes, but it also unlocks vast recreational opportunities for exercise and fun. Unlike big-city bike shares, in which riders must drop off bikes at designated stations for every stop, the built-in lock on every Zagster bike gives users the freedom to ride as long as they want, wherever they want. Zagster’s turnkey business model also lowers the cost and complexity of bike sharing to both Woodstock and riders while providing the entire community with a complete, convenient and modular system.

Riding the Woodstock bike share is easy. Bikes can be found through the free Zagster Mobile App — available for iPhone and Android. Each bike has an unique number that riders enter into the app to obtain a single-use code to open the lockbox on the back of the bike. (Alternatively, riders can obtain unlock codes via text message.) A key, stored inside and tethered to the lockbox, allows the bike to be locked and unlocked throughout a ride so users can plan their trips around their needs — and not around the locations of stations. After a rider returns the bike to a designated Zagster bike station, the rental ends and the bike is available for the next person to enjoy.

“We are excited to add bike sharing to the Greenprints system,” said Colin Ake, Chairman of Greenprints Alliance. “We are hopeful this partnership will enable more families to get outdoors and enjoy our great trails, and can’t wait to see the Zagster system grow with time.”