After a successful pilot program extending bike-share operations in the winter in Cambridge, Hubway announced that it will continue its year-round service across the Charles. Back in October, Hubway also confirmed that they’ll be extending Boston service, but will close those down in December.
Hubway’s winter service proved successful after recording a hefty 35,000 ride between the months of December and March. To accommodate snow plows, though, they’ll be removing stations at Lafayette Square/Main Street and Dana Park from the street.
“Cambridge broke new ground last year with our first-in-the-region winter operation of a bike share system,” said Cambridge City Manager Richard C. Rossi in a statement. “We are pleased to be able to build on last year’s success by continuing to offer this sustainable transportation option throughout the coming winter season.”
Should weather prove to be inclement as, let’s face it, it does every single year, Hubway will announce any station closures and updates on its website here. Users will have the option of receiving email alerts the day of closures or other issues by entering their email address here.
In Brookline and Somerville, which also employ the convenience of Hubway’s system, will see open stations up until Wednesday, November 26, so unfortunately the people who frequent those Hubway-heavy neighborhoods won’t be able to use a bike-share to work off Thanksgiving dinner.
The entire regional effort is expected to reopen sometime in March or early April, pending favorable weather conditions.
Hubway’s Marketing Manager, Benjy Kantor, told BostInno in October that many, if not all, Boston stations will remain open until mid-December for The Hub’s inaugural winter service. Given the success seen in Cambridge, and the constant increase in biking and cycling commuting, it seems a logical move.
Hubway ‘s arsenal of users consists of 12,500 annual members, a huge jump from last year when ridership accounted for 9,500. Monthly, 24-hour, and 72-hour, passes will be available for purchase as usual and current annual members won’t have to pay anything extra to continue cycling in the winter.
