Cumberland, Town Center CIDs Launch Bikeshare Program

SMYRNA, GA — The Cumberland and Town Center community improvement districts launched new bikeshare programs Dec. 18 in partnership with Tandem Mobility, according to a press release from the CIDs. The CIDs' previous bikeshare provider, Zagster, shuttered operations in May.

The relaunch with Tandem Mobility will serve as a one-year pilot program while the CIDs explore a regional bikeshare program with additional community partners.

"With the CIDs' investments in our urban trail network, the region has evolved into a hub of greenway and regional trail connections that attracts walkers, joggers, cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts," said Kim Menefee, executive director for the Cumberland CID, in the release. "Our bikeshares help make our communities more attractive, more accessible and more connected."

Tandem Mobility offers technology that improves the user experience for renters, the release said. Bikeshare members can rent and return a bike from either program's stations, unlike the previous bikeshare system. Now, riders can use the programs interchangeably with access to 80 bikes at 12 stations.

Users of the new program will be able to ride for free for the first hour, then $3 for every additional hour with a maximum of $24 per day. The Town Center Community Alliance, which is the Town Center CID's nonprofit partner, will manage the Town Center Bikeshare Program.

"Our vision of a regional system would take these programs to the next level," said Tracy Rathbone Styf, executive director of the Town Center CID, in the release. "This collaboration between the Cumberland and Town Center CIDs sets the stage for a more connected Cobb County in the future. Through our membership numbers, we've seen that thousands of users want to ride and ride further, and now they can. We could not be more thrilled to launch our new system and offer this amenity once again."