As Bike Share Toronto continues to hit new records, city officials say they hope a returning promotion in June attracts new members.
"Free Ride Wednesdays" next month will offer free trips of up to 30 minutes. This year, the promotion is being sponsored by CAA.
Mayor John Tory says the project worked last year in attracting new members.
"Bike Share saw an average of 70 membership sales the day after the Free Wednesdays in June, compared to 30 on a regular day," Tory says.
While the average number of daily rides was 6,000 in 2017, last Sunday saw a record of almost 10,000 rides.
Mayor John Tory launching a Bike Share TO promotion for the month of June to try to increase membership. First 30 minutes will be free on Wednesday’s. Last year, he says it worked to increase numbers. pic.twitter.com/HNUNPI4Lgp
— NEWSTALK1010 (@NEWSTALK1010) May 30, 2018
"So the numbers just keep going up," Tory says. "We want more people to use bikes for short-haul or for longer haul purposes, whether it's to do business, and get between meetings, or whether it's just to enjoy the city."
Staff say that the number one reason members use Bike Share is for short commutes.
"Little work trips," says Sean Wheldrake, manager of Bike Share. "So someone is going to a meeting. Someone is going to a different office."
Tory says there is another announcement coming soon on the expansion of the network.