Salem Goes True Blue With New Bike Program

SALEM, MA — Salem opened seven new Bluebike stations with 50 rental bikes available citywide on Wednesday as the program that faced a tight City Council funding fight in April officially launched.

Officials held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the $320,000 program that included $200,000 in state grant funding through the Shared Streets and Places Program. Blue Cross Blue Shield also provided sponsorship support.

But when it came down to finding the final $50,000 to launch the program, Bluebikes hardly went hands-free through the City Council — passing by a tight, 6-5 vote in April.

Riders can purchase annual bike memberships for unlimited, 45-minute rides for $109. There are also $25 monthly memberships, $10 24-hour access opportunities or riders can enjoy a single, 30-minute ride for $2.95. Rides can be bought through the Bluebikes app.

"I'm so pleased to welcome Bluebikes to Salem, to offer another transportation option to our residents, workers and visitors," Salem Mayor Driscoll said. "Having a proven and established partner for our community's bikeshare program, including one that opens up access to bike amenities throughout the Boston region, will help provide that essential last-mile connection for commuters, reduce reliance on passenger vehicles, promote healthy and fun transportation and reduce our community's overall carbon footprint."

Salem becomes the 10th Greater Boston community to join the program — along with Arlington, Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, Chelsea, Everett, Newton, Revere, Somerville and Watertown.

There are currently seven stations with an eighth one soon to be added.

Bikes can be picked up and returned to the following locations:

• Lafayette and Leach Streets
• Mayor Salvo Path at Mill Street
• MBTA Commuter Rail Station at Washington & Federal Streets
• Salem Ferry Landing at 10 Blaney Street
• Salem Willows Park
• Shetland Park at Congress, Peabody and Ward Streets
• Salem State University Central Campus at Loring Ave.

This is the second time Salem has had a bike-sharing program. Zagster, the company that ran the program in 2019, dissolved during the coronavirus health crisis.

"Communities that form partnerships, including Salem with Bluebikes, enable people to be active, socialize and rethink how they get around and we are grateful for the creativity, ingenuity, and spirit of experimentation which was shown," Acting Transportation Secretary and CEO Jamey Tesler said.

For its $50,000 Salem is a joint owner of the bikes with Lyft, the operating company.

Blue Cross is in its fourth year of a six-year sponsorship.

"Blue Cross' title sponsorship of the Bluebikes system reflects our mission to help residents across the state lead healthy, active lifestyles and build healthy communities," said Jeff Bellows, vice president of corporate citizenship and public affairs at Blue Cross. "We're thrilled to support Salem's addition to the Bluebikes system and to expand accessibility to this environmentally friendly and inclusive transportation option that connects our communities and reinforces the benefits of regular outdoor exercise."

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(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Peabody. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)