Phoenix ready to launch bike-share program

• Bikes will be available to rent at racks in downtown and central Phoenix starting Nov. 25
• The program will eventually expand east along the light-rail line to Tempe and Mesa
• Riders can reserve a bike online or through a smartphone app

Renting a bike to cruise around downtown and central Phoenix is about to get as easy as clicking an app on your smartphone.

After several delays, Phoenix is finally prepared to launch "GR:D," its much-anticipated bike-share program. Bikes will be available to rent starting Nov. 25, when city leaders are scheduled to unveil the system.

Dozens of riders on lime-green bikes will hit the streets in the city's urban core in the coming weeks — up to 500 bikes and 50 rental racks are expected to be rolled out this year. The program will eventually expand east along the light-rail line to Tempe and Mesa.

Phoenix follows in the footsteps of cities across the U.S. that have launched bike-share programs in recent years to match the changing transportation habits of urban dwellers, particularly Millennials.

The move aligns with city leaders' goal of encouraging biking, use of mass transit and walking. They want to show Phoenix is moving away from its car-centric culture.

"Better late than never," Mayor Greg Stanton said, noting delays in launching the system. "I think it's going to be a very successful program."

Making the city more bicycle-friendly has been a top priority for Stanton, who said the move will boost the local economy by attracting businesses with educated workers. He said young professionals want to live in cities that support mass transit and bike ridership.

The city has partnered with two companies to operate the program: CycleHop and Social Bicycles will cover the costs of installing the racks and outfitting the bikes

Renting a GR:D bike is simple: Riders create an account online to reserve and pay for bikes. Bikes can be found at dozens of racks scattered throughout the central city. Or users can reserve a bike online and through a smartphone app.

Each bike is equipped with a GPS-tracking device, so app users can find available bikes and reserve them in advance.

When a rider is done, they can drop the bike off at another GR:D rental location or lock it at any bike rack in the central-city area, for an additional fee. GPS allows CycleHop to track down returned bikes.

Daily, monthly or annual rental passes are available to anyone with a credit card. Prices range from $5 per hour to $99 annually (for 90 minutes of daily use).

A map of bike rental locations and more information on pricing is available online at gridbikes.com.