Redding Bikeshare: A Comprehensive Outlook for Clean Mobility in Redding, CA
10 minutes Author: Shared-Use Mobility Center Date Launched/Enacted: Feb 9, 2024 Date Published: March 5, 2024
Clean Mobility Options is a statewide public program that empowers under-resourced communities across California to better understand and overcome mobility obstacles with vouchers for funding community needs assessments and clean, shared zero-emission transportation projects. The Shared-Use Mobility Center (SUMC) is one of the three administrator teams that provide technical assistance in implementing Mobility Voucher Projects.
Watch a brief video exploring new mobility options in Redding, CA. Credit: SUMC
Introduction
Bikeshare is a vital first-last-mile solution, especially in areas like Redding, where transit options are limited. Anne Thomas, inspired by Redding’s need for new mobility options, founded Shasta Living Streets in 2010 when she worked for the Nature Conservancy’s Global Climate Change team. The organization draws on Thomas’ local roots to host events and promote interconnected walking paths and bicycle networks, accessible amenities, and efficient transit systems in the Redding community. Dedicated to enhancing Redding’s walkability and bike-ability, Shasta Living Streets recently received support from the McConnell Foundation to launch a community vitality program, including a bikeshare system.
Alongside the community vitality initiative – which mixes the creation of social housing and bike stations – Shasta Living Streets has introduced cycling encouragement programs, pedal-assist bike tours, and a mobility hub at the Redding Transit Center. Using additional Clean Mobility Options voucher reimbursement program funding, the project now includes more pedal assist bikes and dedicated staff to train first-time users and community members. Thanks to these crucial sources of support, Shasta Living Streets is successfully making Redding, CA a more walkable, bikeable, and prosperous community.
Background
Redding, the largest city in Shasta County, faces challenges with pollution levels and low household incomes. Shasta Living Streets, founded in 2010, envisions a more walkable and bikeable Redding. High pollution levels and limited transportation alternatives have led to health concerns and hindered community vitality.
Redding is located in Shasta County, which is home to three incorporated cities – Redding, Anderson, and Shasta Lake City. With a population of 94,000, Redding is the largest city in the state north of Sacramento. As the county’s administrative center, Redding is at the forefront of trade and commerce and is a regional hub for retail, education, professional services, and government.
Founded in 2010, Shasta Living Streets operates the Shasta Bike Depot, Redding Bikeshare, and other community programs. They have dedicated their work to providing amenities and services to improve the walkability and bikeability of Redding’s Downtown.
While Shasta Living Streets has seen success in its programs, Redding can benefit from more, and cleaner, mobility options. Residents are exposed to relatively high pollution levels (the project area scores a 3.7 out of 10 on the Healthy Places Index Score), and household incomes are, on average, relatively low. In addition to low air quality, limited transportation alternatives have led to health concerns and threatened the safety of pedestrians and cyclists. This lack of transportation options has historically left residents burdened with high automobile costs, with very few affordable alternatives.
Development
Launched in 2022, the Shasta Bike Depot, adjacent to Redding’s Transit Center, offers amenities like long-term bike parking, visitor services, youth programs, e-bike charging, and access to nearby trails. The Clean Mobility Options voucher funded the bikeshare and staff at the depot, promoting a car-free lifestyle.
Integration with Urban Development
Redding Bikeshare and the Shasta Bike Depot are integral parts of Redding’s urban development plan, reflecting a $400 million investment in housing, commercial space, and transportation improvements. Positioned next to the downtown transit center, the Shasta Bike Depot serves as a social and practical gathering space, with a staffed mobility hub at the Redding Transit Center for locals and visitors to ask questions and get assistance.
How it Operates
Users can easily purchase passes through the BCycle mobile app or at the Shasta Bike Depot, offering convenient, sustainable transportation. With a starting set of 20 strategically located stations, individuals can easily choose a bike, ride within the designated service area (as indicated by signs on the web or app), and return the bike to any station.
Payment Options
The Redding Bikeshare program relies on a straightforward process for providing access to convenient, reliable, low-cost, and sustainable transportation. Passes, available both in-app and in-person, cater to various preferences. At $18, the Guest Pass offers 24-hour access, including unlimited 60-minute rides within the day, with additional charges for rides exceeding 60 minutes. The 30-Day Pass, priced at $30, extends the 60-minute ride benefit over 30 days, and for those seeking an annual commitment, the Annual Pass at $125 provides year-round access. These options aim to accommodate diverse user needs while emphasizing the convenience and reliability of Redding Bikeshare.
Conclusion
The Redding Bikeshare program, supported by the McConnell Foundation, The Strategic Growth Council, Clean Mobility Options, and implemented by Shasta Living Streets, continues to significantly improve urban mobility and community well-being. By providing 70 bikes, pedal-assist options, and user training, the initiative bridges transportation gaps and offers access to job opportunities, recreation, and essential services, benefiting both Redding’s quality of life and economy. Through these coordinated programs, Shasta Living Streets is committed to providing affordable, climate-conscious solutions to the local community. The success of these program’s introduction underscores Redding’s transition towards a more progressive, people-centric urban landscape, setting an example for future projects.