BATA celebrates five years of seasonal Bike-n-Ride service
From staff reports
The Bay Area Transportation Authority (BATA) is celebrating the fifth anniversary of its successful Bike-n-Ride program. BATA’s Bike-n-Ride service has been helping cyclists enjoy bike trails in Grand Traverse and Leelanau Counties for five years. This years’ service started Saturday, May 20 and runs through the summer and fall until October 22.
Since Bike-n-Ride’s inception five years ago it has transported more than 5,799 bikes and is one of only a handful of similar programs in the country. According to the Michigan Department of Transportation’s 2015 Community and Economic Benefits of Bicycling in Michigan study BATA’s Bike-n-Ride ridership has provided an estimated $360,000 positive economic impact to Grand Traverse and Leelanau Counties.
“We’re excited to be celebrate five years of Bike-n-Ride knowing that ridership continues to grow and that that this unique service provides value to our community from a positive economic, wellness and environmentally friendly perspective,” said BATA Executive Director Kelly Dunham. “Bike-n-Ride continues to offer both residents and visitors to our great region an alternative way to use public transportation to get outside and explore the trails with friends and family.”
Riders can enjoy two great routes and trails. BATA’s Village Loop Route 10 offers service between Traverse City and Suttons Bay / Northport and follows TART’s Leelanau Trail, while Village Loop Route 11 provides service from Traverse City to Glen Arbor / Empire with stops along the ever-expanding Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail.
2017 Bike-n-Ride service runs through October 22:
• Weekday service: Route 10 and 11 – six trips per day
• Weekend service: Route 10 and 11 – three trips per day
• Complete Bike-n-Ride schedule and program information can be found at www.bata.net/bikenride
or by calling 231-941-2324.
