City of Westminster and Zagster Introduce the Front Range's Most Inclusive Bike Share Program

WESTMINSTER, CO--(Marketwired - Jun 30, 2016) - Already recognized as one of America's best places to live, Westminster, Colorado just got even better with today's launch of a bike-share program designed to provide the entire Westminster community with equitable access to a convenient, affordable and healthy way to experience the city's renowned network of open space trails.

"We're proud of Westminster's status as an award-winning community dedicated to sustainable living, and this bike share program, presented by St. Anthony North Health Campus, reinforces that sterling reputation," said Recreation Services Manager Justin Cutler. "While users are free to use the bikes for a variety of purposes, the primary goal of this particular program is to encourage users to explore our celebrated parks and open spaces."

Built in partnership between the City of Westminster and Zagster Inc., the nation's leading provider of next-generation bike shares, the new system includes 32 cruiser bikes available at five stations. And because Zagster is one of the only bike-share providers capable of implementing accessible bikes, the system also features eight alternative bikes -- three hand bikes and five trikes -- to ensure a more equitable bike share for all.

"Just as we believe all communities can enjoy the benefits of bike sharing, we believe everyone within those communities can enjoy the benefits of bike sharing," said Timothy Ericson, Zagster co-founder and CEO. "Westminster is a testament to both those ideals. We are thrilled to help make bike sharing a reality in this great city."

Riders -- who must be 18 or older -- join the program by signing up for hourly, monthly or annual passes. Rides for hourly members are three dollars per hour; rides for monthly and annual members are free for the first hour and then three dollars per hour after that.

"St. Anthony North Health Campus is excited about our partnership with the City of Westminster and Zagster that helps us engage our community in providing resources to encourage healthy activities and active living," said St. Anthony North Health Campus CEO Carole Peet. "Activities like riding a bike have been shown to improve overall cardiovascular health, joint motility and disease prevention."

Unlike other programs in which riders must drop off bikes at designated stations for every stop, Zagster's programs gives users the freedom to ride as long as they want, wherever they want. Bikes can be found via the free Zagster Mobile App -- available for iPhone and Android -- or online at zagster.com/westminster. Each bike has a unique number which riders enter into the app to obtain a single-use code to open the lockbox on the back of the bike. (Alternatively, riders can obtain unlock codes via text message.) A key, stored inside and tethered to the lockbox, allows the bike to be locked and unlocked throughout a ride. After the rider returns the bike to a designated Zagster bike station, the rental ends and the bike is available for the next person to enjoy.

Westminster's bike share features the Zagster 8, an award-winning bike known for its practical design, comfortable ride and easy handling. The bike includes a spacious basket that's perfect for carrying groceries, takeout or personal belongings. And because rider safety is a priority, every bike includes automatic lights, a bell and full reflectors.

About Zagster
Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Cambridge, Mass., Zagster is the largest and fastest-growing bike-share provider in the United States. Zagster works directly with over 130 communities across North America to make scalable bike-sharing programs available in areas where traditional bike-share providers can't reach. The company's goal: To make the bike the most loved form of transportation.

More information about Zagster and its programs can be found at www.zagster.com

About Westminster
Westminster, Colorado, population 113,130, is located in the northwest quadrant of the Denver metro area, halfway between Denver and Boulder. A full-service, award-winning city, Westminster is renowned for excellence in its development, parks, open space, and high quality of life.