Legislators ride bikes in support of program

Senator Henry Stern hopped on a bicycle and rode a mile around Sacramento on Monday evening in an effort to garner support for the bike share program one of his senate bills would create.

Alongside legislators and bike share advocates, the senator sought to rally elected officials in favor of a statewide bike share program for state employees.

“By reducing the number of state vehicles we use every day and building upon successes we’ve already seen with bike sharing, SB 702 will save taxpayers money, offer workers happier and healthier transportation modes and reduce air pollution,” Stern said on the Capitol steps.

If Stern’s bill passes, state employees would be allowed to borrow bikes for day trips on state business, errands, lunch or other trips at no cost.

Additionally, the program would include an online reservation system so riders could book their bikes in advance.

The Department of General Services opened a bike share program in Sacramento in May 2016. Stern’s bill would expand the program to other feasible locations as the DGS saw fit.

Those who use the bikeshare program must complete an online safety training and sign a liability waiver.

Senate Bill 702 is currently in the committee process, and as the legislative session nears a close, elected officials will make a final decision on the bill soon.

The California Bicycle Coalition is among the bill’s supporters, whose goal is to triple the amount of bicycling statewide by 2020.