La Junta Youth Initiative Bike Share Program Goes Live in La Junta

Description: The Colorado Youth Initiative (Koshares) Bike Share App (Movotic) is Up and Bicycles are Available for Rental Across La Junta.

·   La Junta's New Wheels Start Turning Today

By: Cynthia Nieb, La Junta Director of Economic Development

The Colorado Department of Transportation Revitalizing Main Streets Program funded the creation of this program with a $65,662.50 award for the Bike Share equipment, “Share the Road” signs, and a maintenance contract. 

Match was provided by City of La Junta staff and volunteer hours provided by David Balicki of the Koshares for installation of the racks, bikes, and software. 

The City of La Junta also provided grants administration. The program, now that it is in full swing, will be administered by the Colorado Youth Initiative, otherwise known as The Koshare, which is under the direction of David Balicki.

The grant was written by La Junta High School students Alyssa Bullock and Shealie Schmidt, under the guidance of Cynthia Nieb.  Grant administration was provided by Alyssa Libby, City of La Junta Finance Director, and Cynthia Nieb, Director of Economic Development, Urban Renewal, Certified Local Government, and La Junta Rise.

The genesis of the program was to provide everyone in La Junta—and visitors--an alternative mode of active transportation that is clean, healthy, and enjoyable. 

Multiple stations are placed throughout La Junta including the Chamber of Commerce, Courthouse, Safeway, Southeast Health, Valley Wide Health, Inspiration Field, and Otero College. 

Initially, there was a glitch in the software connection when the bikes were set up, but that all has been fixed now.

Use of a credit card is essential to use the bikes, with a $1 initial charge and a rate of 15 cents per minute after that. Other options include a daily rental for $20, or at three-hour rental for $12.

Otero College has special programs and rates to encourage students to enjoy La Junta and shop at local businesses. 

We encourage users to “Sign Off” on the virtual rental site at the conclusion of their ride or charges will continue to accrue: the system will ask you if you want to conclude your transaction. Click “yes.”

“It really did take a village to carry out this project, but it was a pleasure to see what La Junta could accomplish with all of us working together,” said Cynthia Nieb.  “We’ve had so many positive responses to this new community amenity that it is overwhelming in the best possible way.”

Related Content:

About The Valley: La Junta Gets New Wheels

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