Bike Share Toronto to offer Free Ride Wednesdays in July

Locals and tourists alike will be able to see the city from two wheels for free every Wednesday next month, thanks to a new initiative from Bike Share Toronto.

Free Ride Wednesdays was announced on Friday and kicks off July 5.

Mayor John Tory said this is another step to improve mobility around the city and provide people with more transportation options.

“Riding a bike, as we know, is part of a healthy and active lifestyle but it is very much a part of the future of transportation in the city,” Tory explained.

“We’re committed to improving all the different ways, including through this program, that people can get around the city. We’re trying to make Toronto a better city for cycling.”

Here’s how it works.

Insert your credit card at any of the 200 bike share stations across the city on Wednesdays and select the “$0 One – Day” option. Then grab your bike and ride through Toronto for up to a maximum of 30 minutes at a time.

Bike Share Toronto says fees will apply after 30 minutes.

However, if you want to keep riding just drop off the bike before the 30 minute mark, use your credit card to pick the option “ I already have a pass,” grab another bike and head out for another half hour. This step can be repeated the entire day every Wednesday.

Tory said the initiative is about celebrating Canada 250 but also about exploring the city by cycling.

“It’s about thanking Toronto residents for their support of the bike share program so far and getting more Torontonians to discover how fun it can be to cycle around the city,” he said.

This comes just days after Cycle Toronto kicked off the Tour de Bloor Passport — a program designed to promote the Bloor bike lanes and support local businesses.

Bike Share Toronto, which has nearly 9,000 active members, said 830,000 rides were taken last year. In May there were 110,096 rides — nearly double the number the same time last year.