Since launching last year, Milwaukee bike-sharing system Bublr Bikes has set up shop in 10 locations in the Downtown area, providing affordable two-wheeled transportation for folks on their lunch breaks and/or biking enthusiasts who need to get to the Grand Ave. Applebee’s STAT. But what about those Milwaukeeans who don’t work Downtown? Can’t they enjoy the neon-blue pleasures of Bublr Bikes?
Yes, yes they can. Today, Bublr christened a new station on the northeast corner of E. Brady Street and N. Humboldt Boulevard, its first in a residential neighborhood. Well, “christen” may not be the right word: “blessed” is more like it, since the new station was given a nondenominational blessing from Father Tim Kitzke of Three Holy Women Parish’s St. Hedwig Church.
“Bublr Bikes will be a wonderful, wonderful addition to Brady Street,” Fr. Kitzke said at this morning’s event, politely neglecting to mention there was snow on the ground. “What a fun, healthy way to travel around Milwaukee.”
Bublr Bikes Director Kevin Hardman also announced four private donations to the upstart bike-sharing system totaling $100,000. The Brady Street Business Improvement District, BelAir Cantina, The Garage, and JWK Management each kicked in $25,000. The cash joins the $1,200,000 already raised from nearly 30 private supporters. More stations are expected to launch in various neighborhoods later this summer.
Bublr Bikes are $3 per each 30-minute ride, and can be returned to any station. 30-day Bublr Passes are $15 per month, and include unlimited 60-minute rides with a $3 charge for every 30 minutes over the first hour.