Bike share is a healthy, inexpensive, and accessible form of transportation, recreation, and physical activity. Unfortunately the current technology and operating models in the bike share sector present challenges to making it fully accessible to all communities, particularly low-income communities and communities of color. As the operator of RideKC Bike, BikeWalkKC believes that Kansas City's bike share system must find a way to reach those underserved areas of Kansas City. That’s why, with the support of the Health Forward Foundation and The H & R Block Foundation, we piloted a new equity program, Bike Share for All in 2018.
Our current partner organizations include:
- Healing House
- Hope Faith
- Jerusalem Farm
- Midtown KC Now
- Westside Housing Organization
- Rosedale Development Association
Under this program, individuals who rely upon needs-based services are able to sign up for an annual membership of just $10. Users can sign up using any of the current methods of payment, as well as pre-paid credit or debit cards for users who are unbanked.
Annual memberships include 80 minutes of free time per day. Additional minutes are charged at the same rate as pay-as-you-go trips (15 cents per minute). Riders who leave a bike unlocked or parked improperly may incur additional charges. See our FAQ for more details.
The success of the pilot enabled us to extend Bike Share for All to new partners. If you are interested in becoming a Bike Share for All partner agency, or have questions about the program, please contact us at info@ridekcbike.com.
Bike Share Equity Report
In 2014, with support from the Health Forward Foundation (then the Health Care Foundation of Greater Kansas City), we conducted an extensive study of the barriers, opportunities, and landscape for bike share equity models in Kansas City. Click here to read the full report.