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Knoxville bike share program offers a new way to get around

Carrie Hulsey, Alex Cawthorn # State
knox_bike

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- Pace Knoxville has only been in Downtown Knoxville for a couple of weeks -- but it's already picking up speed. It's the newest way to get around the city, a bike share program that gives folks an economical and active way to travel.

How does it work? All a user would have to do is download the "Pace Bike Share" app, available for free in the App Store and on Google Play. After downloading the app, users input their credit card information and select a bike. Rides cost $1.50 for every 30 minutes -- that's cheaper than a gallon of gas!

"You sign in through the app, is how you find one,"
Kristen Combs, Director of Communications for Visit Knoxville, said.
"You'll be able to see a map that has all of the icons of where the bikes are."

Riders can make pit stops at most locations within the city and put the bike on "hold" through the app. Once they reach their final stop, riders lock up the bikes at a Pace Knoxville location, and the app will register that the ride is complete.

Pace Knoxville was established with 13 bike stations throughout Knoxville, including on Gay Street, at the Knoxville Convention Center, at Volunteer Landing and in Market Square. However, the minds behind the program said they are already planning to set up more locations.

"I think it's pretty cool,"
bike renter Austin Samples said.
"Transportation is easier and faster. It will probably take us 20 to 30 minutes to walk there, but it will probably take us 15 [minutes] to ride a bike."

As of Monday, the app was already downloaded 600 times, with 300 bike rides logged.

"To see that come to Knoxville is super exciting, and it's time for us,"
Combs said of the new program.
"We've already got a great walkable downtown, and I think with the bike share program, that will just extend it."

To download the Pace Bike Share app, visit the Google Play store or download it through the App Store.

Find more information about Pace online at ridepace.com.