Watkins Glen, NY – A new way to get around is coming to our community! Lime is a bike-sharing program that functions by a user downloading the app on their phone, locating an available bike, then unlocking it by scanning the QR code or entering the 6-digit ID on the bike. Users pay to use the bikes by entering their credit card info in the app. It’s just $1 for every 30 minutes you ride.
The distinguishing feature of Lime is that it is dock-free, meaning, users can pick up and leave bikes in locations that are most convenient for them rather than having to take them back to a particular location. A Lime employee will round up bikes periodically and return them to their designated areas.
A few frequently asked questions:
· Can I reserve a bike? No. Lime operates on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you see a nearby bike on the map, it’s yours to ride!
· How do I pay for my ride? Simply enter your credit card information into the app and purchase credits you can use for future rides.
· How do I end my ride? Please make sure you’re parking in a safe, appropriate location. Dock free bikes only work if we all take responsibility and park in places that don’t block car traffic, impede pedestrian access, or encroach on private property. To lock your Lime Bike, simply push down on the locking arm connected to the rear wheel to lock the bike.
You’ll see Lime Bikes hitting the streets of Watkins Glen Thursday May 31. They’ll be grouped and waiting for you at Clute Park, LaFayette Park, and near the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center (214 N. Franklin Street, Watkins Glen), as well as a few other downtown locations. Don’t worry, these bikes are east to identify– true to their name, they are painted lime green and have reflective tires and built in LED lights.
Lime was brought to the area through a joint effort between the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce and the Village Board of Trustees. Trustee Laurie DeNardo shares, “Lime has experienced huge success and high rates of ridership in Ithaca and we hope to see a similar trend emerge here in Watkins Glen and Montour Falls. It’s a great opportunity to get outside, get some fresh air, and explore your community.”
Brittany Gibson, Tourism and Marketing Manager at the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce adds, “Lime is a forward-thinking, community-oriented company and working with them to bring this opportunity to our area has been nothing short of refreshing. I am so thankful to Mayor Schimizzi and the Village Board of Trustees for seeing the value in this opportunity. I hope to see many bikes out and about, being enjoyed by visitors and locals alike.”
“Lime is committed to increasing access to affordable, convenient transportation and we look forward to becoming part of the community,” said Jeff Goodmark, Lime’s Ithaca Operations Manager. “We’ve seen tremendous success in Ithaca, and we’re excited to further expand our operations in New York.”
