Pedaling in Providence

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Ready to take a spin? Recently a bike rack popped up on Elmgrove Avenue, across from the Dwares Jewish Community Center, and we wondered what it was. Several days later, a few red bikes appeared. They are JUMP bikes, an electric bike share sponsored locally by Tufts Health, Lifespan, the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority and the city of Providence. A Brooklyn, New York-based start-up, JUMP has bikes in 10 U.S. cities. The e-bikes, which arrived in Providence at the beginning of September, have electric assist, which offers a boost when you pedal. The harder you pedal, the bigger the boost – up to 20 mph. According to the JUMP website, you download the JUMP app, locate a bike and unlock it and ride away.

You end your ride by locking the bike to a designated rack or hub. Monthly memberships as well as pay-as-you-go plans are available. All this to encourage us to get out of our cars. For a map of bike locations, go to bit.ly/2xs1Hx5. 

Fran Ostendorf 

City of Providence