Indy Bike Share Sees Sharp Growth Thanks to Free Pass Program

Bike share use is rapidly becoming more popular in Indianapolis, where the city’s Pacers Bikeshare system saw a 51 percent rise in ridership in the last four months. So far in 2014, the system logged 106,528 rides, the second most in its history.

The growth is due in part to the introduction of e-bikes and a new program that offers free annual passes to Marion County residents. According to a press release from Pacers Bikeshare and Indianapolis Cultural Trail Inc., “Since that program launched on May 9, 2024, 79% of all bikeshare trips were taken by IndyRides Free passholders.” Other cities that have added e-bikes to their fleets are seeing growth too, with e-bikes opening up cycling to more people.

The system also opened two new stations this month that are part of the larger Elevator Hill street improvement project, which includes accessibility improvements and stormwater infrastructure, and connect to nearby bike trails such as the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, the Monon and Pogue’s Run trails.