Atlanta’s bike-share network officially gets five times bigger this week

In a time of unreal interstate catastrophes and potential budget cuts that could cripple mass-transit expansion in Atlanta, there is a glimmer of good news for folks looking for alternate means of getting around town.

Come 10 a.m. Wednesday, a gala planned in Piedmont Park will celebrate the official expansion of Atlanta’s bike-share network from 100 to 500 “Big Blue” eight-speeds.

The rentable Relay cruisers can now be found at 60 stations around the city, from West End and Vine City to Old Fourth Ward’s Studioplex and Midtown’s Colony Square. The expansion has been rapid, considering this time last year bike share was not a thing in Atlanta.

Earlier this month, 400 new bikes arrived in town and have been installed in waves since.

At the Piedmont Park event Wednesday—look for it at the intersection of 10th Street and Charles Allen Drive NE—expect music, food trucks, games, giveaways, “local celebrities,” and a ride with Mayor Kasim Reed that leaves the park at 11 a.m.

Officials will have 100 Relay bikes on hand that will be free for the ride, provided interested riders preregister via the email found here.

Relay

Atlanta’s bike share initially launched last July with just 100 bikes at 10 stations downtown.

Late last year, officials reported the program’s first six months had been a success, with users logging more than 11,000 miles on 5,000 trips.

Expect the blue cruisers to be even more ubiquitous across the city now.

Curbed Atlanta

• APRIL MESSAGE FROM THE GM [Relay site]
• Atlanta’s bike share efforts are spreading across the city [Curbed Atlanta]