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Date: 9/6/2022
CHICOPEE – The growing ValleyBike Share program opened its second bicycle station in Chicopee at the Grove Street and Front Street intersection in July. The station joins an existing station that sits outside of Chicopee City Hall on 274 Front St.
Background
The initial station opened in October 2021 during a ribbon cutting ceremony. At that time, Mayor John Vieau, Planning Director Lee Pouliot and Marketing and Community Outreach representative for ValleyBike Shannon Bliven highlighted the program as an accessible transportation offering for residents.
“I’m excited to introduce transportation for those who do not have a car. Biking is the way of the future…ride on,” said Vieau.
Bliven detailed the history behind the ValleyBike Share rollout. She explained that the program initially began with Northampton, Holyoke, Springfield and Easthampton. From there, the organization expanded to Amherst, West Springfield and South Hadley before making their debut in Chicopee.
“We slowly rolled out the project to more communities after a successful first run,” said Bliven in an interview with Reminder Publishing.
Over the course of 2022 so far, ValleyBike has incurred over 71,000 bike rides throughout Western Massachusetts.
The bicycles are not your ordinary two-wheel creations. Bliven discussed how Valley Bike has partnered with the Canadian organization Bewegen Technologies to provide a more dynamic riding vehicle. The Bewegen bikes include an electric motor to help traverse hills and long distances, as well an attached basket that can carry up to 50 pounds.
“[The bikes] can go pretty fast, but they are pretty approachable to operate,” said Bliven.
Vieau shared that he inquired to join ValleyBike in the beginning of 2021. ValleyBike Share operates by selling station to municipalities, with the city owning the stations once they are imbedded into the communities.
Interested riders can sign up via their website ValleyBike.org. The station offers $6 day passes, along with a $20 monthly membership and a $80 annual membership. Riders must dock the bike during a 45-minute window to avoid overage fees. Bliven revealed the program also offers free access passes for people in Section 8 housing.
Expansion
Reflecting on the opening of a second station, the mayor highlighted ValleyBike as a reliable and affordable alternative.
“I do think it’s the future … with rising gas prices, this is a great way for people to get around,” said Vieau.
The mayor shared that the program has enjoyed success so far in the Chicopee Center area. He credits the bicycle’s robust features for ensuring the vehicles remain an accessible transportation option for residents.
“I tested one myself … Thankfully, you don’t have to be a [triathlete] to try them,” said Vieau. The mayor also touted the ValleyBikes transparent features, with the app telling users how many bicycles are available at each station.
Vieau revealed that the city is also preparing to welcome a third station in the Rivers Park Station. The mayor expressed excitement for what the developing station can offer as the city is working on a 2.3-mile bike and walking path near Rivers Park and Nash Park. Funding for the project derives from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), according to Vieau.
With one new station opened and another on the way, the mayor aspires for community members to continue riding on with ValleyBike.
“We’re really hoping it’s a big success here in Chicopee,” said Vieau.