You know you're in South Beach when a woman is biking in stiletto heels and skin tight clothing. And the city of Miami Beach hopes it'll catch on.
Not the style but the city's bike-sharing program.
"I think its very overdue!" exclaimed Cathy Elston, who has lived in Miami Beach for three years, when she saw the rental station at South Pointe Park. Elston had just paid $25 for parking, even though she lives a few blocks away. "I will use it, absolutely, because parking is very difficult around here."
The bicycle network is not only a green effort, it is also a means to address the notorious traffic and parking headaches in Miami Beach.
There are 50 self-service parking stations in service as of Tuesday. The beach cruisers can be picked up and dropped off at any location, with each station approximately four to five blocks apart from each other. By the end of summer, there will be a total of 100 bike stations.
"The idea is to replace those short local trips that people are using their car for and choking the environment to just go a couple blocks," said Colby Resse, co-owner of DecoBike, which operates the program.
DecoBike has been awarded a five year revenue-sharing concession agreement with the city. Miami Beach expects to bring in $13 million in revenue over the course of the contract.
Local
Washington D.C. launched the first bike sharing program in the U.S. in 2008. They're popular in European cities such as Paris, London, and Barcelona.
If you're renting in Miami Beach, the 1st half hour is free, the first hour is $5, and $4 every half hour thereafter. A day rate is $14, with a monthly membership for residents or commuters starting at $15. And a $100 deposit is required in case the bike is not returned or damaged.
For more information check out www.decobike.com.
