Columbia just got a bikeshare program

Howard County launched a bikeshare program this week, and it’s starting with stations in Columbia.
There are a total of 70 bikes spread across seven stations. Like the Baltimore bikeshare which launched last year, some of the bikes are made by Bewegen Technologies, and have electric motors that offer a little extra help getting up hills. The bikes are GPS-enabled, and each have lights and a front basket.
The program is a six-year pilot. The first stations are positioned at public gathering points and large workplaces like Howard County General Hospital, the Mall in Columbia, Howard Community College and the One Merriwhether office building.

Happy 4th! pic.twitter.com/3WRIj19Gmd

— Howard County Bikeshare (@HCbikeshare) July 5, 2017

“With the launch of Howard County Bikeshare, we are providing another transportation option that has proven to be a key element in creating a vibrant downtown environment,” County Executive Allan Kittleman said in a statement.
The bikeshare program also has an app that handles payment and allows riders to unlock a bike from the phone. It also provides a map.