As California’s 3rd largest city, San Jose is also home to one of the largest urban trail networks in the U.S. With core trails and edge trails combined there is over 57 miles open to public access for biking, hiking and leisurely walking to enjoy the beauty of scenery along the Guadalupe River, several creeks and Anderson Parkway.
Yet what is even more crucial is that tourists and commuters alike can use GoBikes and earn ten Alaska Airlines travel miles every time they ride. This is something that is aiming to change the way people get around, encouraging less cars on the road in favor of more ecological-friendly trends.
As a major hub of the Silicon Valley and its ever-growing high-tech industry, to have this partnership of bicycles, public transit and air travel makes San Jose an innovator for the future.
Motivate is the name of the company that provides the commuter ‘rental’ bikes. With this new expansion-partnership the Ford GoBike system has grown to include over 300 bikes at 34 stations in San Jose.
As reported by The San Jose Mercury News back in August, while GoBikes have suffered some mistreatment by vandals, Motivate and others are steadfastly committed to ensuring that everything continues seamlessly. Motivate did not say how many bikes were damaged but view the vandalism as temporary.
San Jose is part of the regional network of Ford GoBike, which now consists of over 240 stations throughout San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley and Emeryville, as well as San Jose.
Further expansion in San Jose is well underway and continuing. In addition to the 34 existing stations and nine planned stations being installed soon, 21 additional stations for the San Jose area have been proposed and are going through the community review process.
By the end of 2018, there will be more than 80 stations in San Jose. Ford GoBike offers a Bike Share for All program, which allows eligible residents to receive a $5 annual membership for the first year.
“I applaud this partnership, and am excited to see the Ford GoBike program flourish in San Jose. Equitable, affordable, and accessible bicycle transportation can reduce traffic, improve air quality, and ease commuter access to public transit hubs,” said San Jose Mayor and Sam Liccardo.
“I look forward to Ford GoBike’s continued expansion as we work to make San Jose a leader in bicycle-friendly American cities.” Mayor Liccardo also serves as MTC commissioner and is mindful of the future.
San Jose Council member Raul Peralez, agreed with the Mayor as he said, “Downtown San Jose is growing rapidly, and, Ford GoBike is leading the way to get folks out of their cars and commuting in style.” Peralez who represents constituents for downtown San Jose, understands that this would not be possible without vital partnerships and collaboration. “Thanks to Motivate and Alaska Airlines for their continued investment in our city,” he added.
Recognizing the pioneering partnership, enabling travelers to “bike here and fly there,” Alaska Airlines External Relations Vice President Diana Birkett Rakow also commented on the company’s deep local engagements, “Residents will also continue to see our strong commitment to the community – like our contribution to Salvation Army’s North Bay relief efforts. As part of creating an airline that people love, we’re dedicated to providing affordable, sustainable and convenient travel options.”
Headquartered in Seattle, Washington and founded in 1932, the airline is rapidly expanding in the Bay Area. San Jose is one of its major hubs of operation.
As part of the founding partnership, Alaska Airlines is the marketing sponsor of 100 percent of Ford GoBike stations in San Jose and 250 stations throughout the Bay Area. Ford GoBike is a public-private partnership between the Metropolitan Transportation Commission and global bike share leader Motivate. The Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition among others encourages SF Bay Area residents to utilize this program, while seeking to promote bicycling for both work and recreation.
Alaska Airlines joins other major brands including Ford in this forward-thinking innovative venture. Other well-known company brands like Nike, Citi, Blue Cross-Blue Shield, and Hulu, have made major investments in bike share programs from New York City to Portland to support smart mobility and sustainability.
When completed in 2018, the 7,000-bike, 546-station Ford GoBike network working with Motivate will be the second-largest bike share system in North America. For more information, visit the Ford GoBike website
