The Huntsville Urban Bike Share Coop, or HUBS Coop, is seeking a westward expansion.

HUBSLogo 1 Plans are to add rental sites to the western side of the city. These will create a network of bikes and stations for access to Cummings Research Park, the MidCity District and environs like parks, greenways, and walking and bicycle paths.

HUBS Coop, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has partnered with Tandem Mobility Solutions in efforts to increase the availability of bike-sharing sites.

Bikes can be rented for a half-hourly rate or through monthly or annual memberships. With the support of local sponsors, HUBS Coop hopes to create a convenient, fun, and affordable option to move about the city for those who may not have access to their own bicycles.

“We see our new partnership with the Tandem Mobility family as a great way to provide active transportation options for residents and visitors to West Huntsville, to connect to recreational trails like the Singing River Trail, shopping areas and commuter stations,’’ said Larry Mason, director of HUBS Coop.

To reach expansion deadline goals, Mason said the coop needs more sponsors. Current sponsors include Google Fiber, Straight to Ale, and Keel Point Financial Advisors, but more are needed for HUBS Coop to provide more coverage.

Mason says the goal is to have the West Huntsville system ready by this May, which is Bike Month, but need sponsorships in place by the end of March to reach that target.

According to HUBS Coop, the plan is to have each bike bear the name or logo of a sponsor, making it a marketing tool with the potential to connect businesses and customers.

Bike-sharing is already available in downtown Huntsville. Tandem Mobility has teamed up with Downtown Huntsville, Inc. and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama to provide 30 bicycles and 10 self-serving bike docking stations throughout downtown.

The new partnership between HUBS Coop and Tandem Mobility will develop the sister network in West Huntsville.

HUBS Coop will use the revenue generated by the bike-share program to maintain its core programs. HUBS Coop is committed to providing basic transportation to those who need equitable mobility. In addition, the cooperative also offers educational opportunities through youth programs in Huntsville and bike and traffic safety classes.

The non-profit advocates for safe infrastructure and flexible, cost-effective access to bicycles, active mobility options, and community-building opportunities and skill development throughout the Huntsville metro area and North-central Alabama.

In addition to afford access to tour the expansive Cummings Research Park and surrounding environs, Mason said, “A bike ride after work is a great way to melt the stress away.’’

To learn more about HUBS Coop and the West Huntsville bike-sharing initiative, including sponsorship, contact Larry Mason at larry@hubscoop.net.

Photos courtesy of Larry Mason