By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
Hoisington City Manager Jonathan Mitchell says the City of Hoisington is gathering funds for a bike share program in town, and the idea could spread throughout Barton County if the initiative goes well.
Mitchell estimated it would cost $5,000 to purchase the 10 bicycles from Golden Belt Bicycle in Great Bend, but there are talks of getting more funding for bike shelters and a service station.
"If it goes well at the two proposed check-out stations, maybe you will see a third location in the northern part of the city," said Mitchell. "If the bike share program goes well, maybe you will see it in Great Bend, Claflin and Ellinwood."
The new bicycles will be stripped down and rebranded as “Cardinal Cruisers.” Individuals or groups will be able to check the bikes out for free at two locations in town, between the city office and library and by Rodeway Inn & Suites Hotel.
"This will allow people to use these single-speed cruisers or a couple of exotic bikes," Mitchell said. "We will have a tandem bike and side-by-side bike that can be used for transportation or recreation."
The plan is to have interested individuals check out the bikes at the city office or hotel by showing your driver’s license and then will be able to use the bike for one day before returning it. Mitchell says you will have to be at least 18 years old to check out the bikes, and at least age 12 to operate them.
Funding is still being gathered for the purchase.