St. Augustine’s downtown streets will see a new wave of cyclists this week as the city‑backed DRIFTERS City Bike Share program officially opens. The launch ceremony took place Friday morning at the Plaza de la Constitución, where city officials and program founder Ian Guthrie cut the ribbon.
Program details
DRIFTERS will place 90 custom‑made bicycles at more than 170 docking stations throughout the historic city and surrounding neighborhoods. Riders unlock a bike using the DRIFTERS City Bike app, pay the rental fee, and enjoy a simple, pedal‑powered ride.
Each bike features a 10‑speed drivetrain, integrated lights, and puncture‑resistant tires. Ten of the fleet are pedal‑assist e‑bikes limited to 15 mph and equipped without a throttle, making them accessible to riders of all ages and fitness levels.
Pricing and membership
Rental rates are $10 for the first hour and $4.50 for each additional hour, the same price for both e‑bikes and traditional bikes. For frequent riders, the program offers unlimited‑ride memberships at $99 for six months or $180 for a full year.
When a ride ends, the bike must be returned to any docking station; otherwise, users continue to accrue charges until the bike is docked.
Community response
Local cyclist and bike mechanic Teresa Rose praised the initiative’s potential to draw more visitors to small businesses, but warned that St. Augustine still lacks adequate bike lanes. “There are more cars and angry people than ever,” Rose said, noting that drivers often ignore the law requiring them to share the road.
Rose also highlighted safety concerns, especially with e‑bike riders traveling against traffic or using sidewalks where pedestrians have the right of way. She leads the West Augustine Wheelers, a weekly group ride that promotes proper cycling etiquette.
Looking ahead
Guthrie hopes the increased visibility of cyclists will spur the city to create dedicated bike lanes. “We can’t say that riding on the shoulder is a bike lane,” he explained. “I hope this program highlights the need and the advantages of having something like that here.”
The city approved a plan in 2024 to make King Street more bike‑ and pedestrian‑friendly, but construction is not slated to begin until 2029, with completion expected by 2033.
Special events
At the launch, DRIFTERS partnered with Priority Bicycles to raffle a free bike and several membership packages. Attendees must be present at the event to enter the drawing.
The bike‑share program aims to give residents and tourists alike a healthier, more scenic way to explore St. Augustine’s historic streets while supporting local eateries and shops.
Original reporting: Jacksonville Today — read the source article.
