Dockless bike-sharing with Zagster is showing such promise in the first six months of a test in Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral that the service may be in the future for southern Brevard beachside towns.
The Zagster system features three-speed cruiser bikes, quick smartphone rentals, reservations and drop-offs, and does not require a docking station so bikes can be parked within a defined district. They can be located and unlocked using a smartphone app. The nine-station, 45-bike test launched in March is being funded by the Tourist Development Commission.
The challenge for the service at times involves the efficient distribution of bikes at various locations, and misplacement of dockless bikes can be a real issue.
The Florida Legislature last session considered a bill that would create statewide regulations for dockless bike-share systems, but it died in committee.
Indian Harbour Beach City Council member Frank Guertin attended the Sept. 14 Florida League of Cities Transportation and Intergovernmental Relations Legislative Policy Committee meeting in Orlando where Coral Gables and Orlando made presentations on their communities’ recent actions to address dockless vehicle rentals. He requested city staff to bring back an ordinance on the issue.
While not as tourist-oriented as Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral (with their destinations like Port Canaveral and the large surf shops), cities like Indian Harbour Beach are working to address the possible concerns in case the service also takes root in smaller cities. “It is difficult to know’’ about future demand, which also could mean use by locals in their daily routines, said Indian Harbour Beach City Manager Mark Ryan, who with city staff is “benchmarking the best practice ordinances form other communities to develop an ordinance to meet Indian Harbour Beach’s needs.’’
For example, bike-sharing could be a useful mode of transportation for athletes from all over the world who come to train in Indian Harbour Beach at Oars and Paddles Park, he said.
Enthusiastic about being part of the initial test is Cape Canaveral Community Engagement Director Joshua Surprenant, who had used a similar service when living in Orlando.
For Zagster, the city allocated $8,000 each of the next three years for a station and bikes at Manatee Sanctuary Park, which records show is so far the most used in the system also including Cocoa Beach location. He is working to get stations at other locations including City Hall and near Port Canaveral. “We’re seeing the traffic that we were hoping for,’’ he said.
Cocoa Beach picked its nine station locations, each with nine bikes, as the focus of the test study funded by the Tourist Development Commission, said Cocoa Beach Director of Marketing Melissa Byron.
“The whole idea is to have the stations a quarter mile apart and we’re pleased with our locations. Things have improved with the distribution of bikes with staff being hired. We’re very appreciative to the TDC for using us for the first big push on this,’’ she said.
Zagster bikes are a three-speed cruiser with baskets, GPS, adjustable seat height, automatic front and rear lights, Bluetooth electronic ring lock, fenders and chain guard. Rentals are by the hour ($3), with monthly ($12) and annual ($60) contracts available.
