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Bike Share Program To Hit City Streets Next Summer

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The wheels are officially in motion for New York City's bike share program.

Department of Transportation Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan announced Wednesday that starting next summer there will be 10,000 bikes available at 600 stations in Midtown Manhattan and northwest Brooklyn.

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"Over the next several months and weeks we'll be holding workshops, meetings and public forums," she said. "We'll also be showcasing the bikes behind so New Yorkers will get a chance to check out the system and literally kick the tires."

LINK: New York City Bike Share

New Yorkers and visitors will be able pick up a bike at any station, ride to their destination, and drop off the bike at the nearest available station. Smartphone apps will also give users real-time information about bike and station availability.

With the bike share program, Sadik-Khan the city is reinventing the wheel by providing an affordable and 24-hour accessible transportation alternative.

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"Whether it's covering the last quarter mile from the subway or reaching that dead zone between stations, bike share offers a great, new way to get around in a New York minute," Sadik-Khan said.

Alta Bicycle Share Inc. will develop and operate the privately funded system -- which will not use any taxpayer money. The program is expected to create an estimated 200 jobs.

"Bike share is a new form of public transportation that will help connect New Yorkers to their own neighborhoods, to other neighborhoods and to public transit," said Alison Cohen, President of Alta Bicycle Share. "At the same time, it will make NYC a healthier, cleaner, greener and safer place."

An annual membership in the bike sharing program will cost less than $100. Day and weekly memberships will also be available.

Demonstration events:

Saturday, 9/17:
DUMBO/Manhattan Bridge Arch, Brooklyn. 12 - 4 p.m.

Wednesday, 9/21:
Bowling Green, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Saturday, 9/24:
Brooklyn Flea, Ft. Greene, 12 - 4 p.m.

Thursday, 9/29:
Union Square 12 - 6 p.m.

Sunday, 10/2:
Atlantic Antic (Atlantic Avenue) 12 - 6 p.m.

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