(Sept. 16, 2021)  BIKETOWN, Portland’s beloved bike-share system operated by Lyft and known for its ubiquitous orange bicycles, announced three major initiatives today that dramatically increase access to electric assist bike-share for all Portland State University (PSU) students, people on low incomes, and college students on financial aid throughout the city.

Starting today, students throughout Portland who qualify for federal financial aid will qualify for a free BIKETOWN for All membership -- with no monthly membership fee -- and an unlimited number of 60-minute rides a month.

Also starting today, under a new agreement with Oregon’s largest urban university, all PSU students not eligible for BIKETOWN for All will be eligible for a ride credit to cover up to $20 a month of casual user fees.

Additionally, Portlanders who qualify for BIKETOWN for All through existing eligibility (outside of federal student aid recipients) will also be eligible for a free membership. This new benefit will waive the 5 cents a minute ride fee (for up to 60 minute rides) and $5 a month membership fee, which are already a significant discount compared with the cost of an annual membership.

Portlanders who qualify can sign up at BIKETOWNforAll.com. College students will upload a digital copy of their FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) award letter. PSU students should sign up at the PSU BIKETOWN website.

"With extreme weather and climate change challenging our community, we need to do everything we can to make sure everyone has easy access to riding a bike," said City Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty, who oversees the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT). "By making BIKETOWN more affordable, we make it easier for people to try riding an e-bike to get where they're going, while reducing carbon emissions and pollution. I'm especially thankful for the partnerships that will introduce BIKETOWN to a new generation of college students. Thank you to PGE and all the partners who are investing in the success of BIKETOWN." 

"As students are returning to classrooms this fall, this is the perfect time for them to experience the excitement of riding BIKETOWN's e-bikes," said Transportation Director Chris Warner. "We appreciate the opportunity to work with PSU, PGE and Lyft who helped make this happen." 

"We're thrilled to see students on BIKETOWN bikes again," said Kevin Reynolds, Vice President for Finance & Administration at Portland State University. "It’s been a pleasure to have such committed partners in PBOT and BIKETOWN that have helped to make this program a reality. BIKETOWN is a wonderful option for students looking for an affordable and sustainable transportation option."  

This expansion of BIKETOWN for All has been made possible by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality's Oregon Clean Fuels Program via the PGE Drive Change Fund.

BIKETOWN for All provides Portland-area residents living on low incomes with a reduced-cost BIKETOWN membership. The program is a partnership between PBOT, Lyft, participating affordable housing communities, social service agencies, and local nonprofits serving Portlanders with low incomes.

BIKETOWN for All members will still have to comply with the rules of the program, which help make the bicycles accessible to everyone who wants to use them. The first 60 minutes of any ride are free, and any additional ride time will cost 5 cent per minute. A $1 fee will apply if the bike is not parked at a BIKETOWN station. The out of station fee does not apply if a bike is parked at a BIKETOWN station or anywhere in the East Portland SuperHub Zone, a part of the service area east of 72nd Avenue (shown in green on the service area map).

BIKETOWN for All users parked outside of the 32 square mile service area would receive a $5 out-of-service-area fee. 

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