Bike Sharing Locations Announced in Capital Region [PHOTO]

When I visit bigger cities, I love seeing a bunch of people riding around on bikes getting to where they need to go instead of driving everywhere. Not only is it better for your health but it’s a much better way to get around on a beautiful summer day and I’m so happy they’re coming to the Capital Region.

CDTA and CDPHP have announced where you’ll be able to access bike sharing in the Capital Region. Total, according to WTEN, Schenectady is getting 7 stations, Albany 20 stations, Troy 7 stations, and Saratoga is getting 4 stations, found on the maps below.

Schenectady will have a few stations on Nott Terrace but none any further West from that which I think is a big loss in utilizing Upper Union Street. There will be one on the Hudson-Mohawk Bikeway, down on the Hudson near Rivers Casino, as well as a few surrounding Downtown Schenectady and Lower Jay Street. I understand Schenectady only got 7 but I think key places will be under utilized.

Albany bike stations tend to be a little more spread out. While some stations will cause you a bit of a ride, they are accessible and in great locations. The same can be said for Troy. Though the stations are all located downtown, they are spread out enough to get yourself around.

I’m honestly surprised that Saratoga had the least number of stations, when it seems to me to be a city that would be the fastest to utilize this system. One on Union Ave, one on Caroline Street and the others are further down, closer to Saratoga Spa State Park.

UPDATE 7/12 – According to The Daily Gazette, “The basic rate for renting a CDPHP Cycle bicycle will be $5 per hour, with steep discounts for repeated use: a monthly pass allowing 60 minutes of riding time per day is priced at $15. There is also an annual pass being offered for $70, and a student annual pass for $35. The annual passes also allow for 60 minutes of riding time per day.”

This slideshow requires JavaScript.