Sarah Shelander
Editor

Residents and Visitors of St. James have a new program to use to enjoy the city and trails around St. James. The St. James Convention and Visitor Bureau (CVB) partnered with Mayo Health System – St. James, the City of St. James, and SHIP to start the Bike Sharing program in St. James.

St. James joins Mountain Lake and Sleepy Eye in having this program. The leading factors for St. James to start it were focused on people who live and visit St. James being able to use it and promoting healthy choices.

“To promote a healthy lifestyle, which also has a positive impact on mental health was a leading factor,” said Tammy Stevens, CVB President and City of St. James Community Outreach. “The Bike Share program will be used for recreation by tourists and community members.”

The bike station is located near the St. James Pool/Tiell Campground. Stevens said the location provides easy access to the bike trail along St. James Lake for community members, park visitors, and campers.

After the bike station was installed early last week, CVB held a presentation for the Bike Share program on Thursday, May 23. Stevens went over how renting a bike is easy. People interested will download the app “On Bike Share” from the app store or Google Play. Once the app is downloaded and opened, press find a system – “City of St. James,” “Available Bikes” and “Ride” for the bike you want. Directions are also on the bike stations to help as well. The bike will then be electronically unlocked. Rental hours for the bikes are 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. and are $1 for the first four hours and $3 per hour afterward.

As Stevens showed how to rent a bike, she offered those in attendance the chance to try the new bikes. Colleen Braun took the bike for a quick ride down the sidewalk to give it a test. She said the bikes are great, they are lightweight and comfortable to ride.