Free Pacers Bikeshare pass gets nearly 8,000 requests in first week

Jill Sheridan

All Marion County residents are eligable for the IndyRides Free program through the Pacers Bikeshare website.
*Zach Bundy / WFYI*

A new program that offers free Pacers Bikeshare rides has proven popular.

Since it was announced last week, the Indy Rides Free program says it's working to approve 7,953 requests through a two-step process. Marion County residency needs to be established, then an access code is sent by mail.

“It’s great to see so much enthusiasm for IndyRides Free program,” said Kären Haley, executive director of the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, which manages Pacers Bikeshare.

Indianapolis is the first U.S. city to offer free bikeshare annual passes to all county residents. Through the program local residents can get unlimited 30-minute rides on electric assist bikes or classic bikes that are scattered around the city. A usage fee is charged after the first 30 minutes.

Residents can download the app and use bicycles at any of the 50 Pacers Bikeshare stations in Indianapolis.

The free program is funded through the Herbert Simon Family Foundation and Pacers Sports and Entertainment.

Contact WFYI city government and policy reporter Jill Sheridan at jsheridan@wfyi.org.

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