BIKETOWN, the bike-share system known for its ubiquitous orange bicycles that launched in 2016, is expanding access to electric assist bike-share for people on low incomes and Portland college students on financial aid.
BIKETOWN for All, is a project made possible by DEQ’s Oregon Clean Fuels Program via the PGE Drive Change Fund.
Eligibility includes those who: hold Oregon Trail Cards (SNAP); are affordable housing residents, qualify for unemployment assistance; Oregon Health Plan (OHP) members; TriMet Honored Citizen pass holders; recipients of other social services; and new students receiving Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at Portland campuses.
Eligible Portland residents can sign up for membership online at with a credit, debit or prepaid debit card. Those without cards can sign up in person at Adaptive BIKETOWN, 1945 SE Water Ave., or call 503.823.2142.
The membership is free and benefits include unlimited 60-minute trips, $20 in ride credits every month, free bike unlocks, 24/7/365 access to bikes throughout the service area and 25 percent off a Nutcase Helmet.
Members are encouraged to return bikes to BIKETOWN stations (no charge) or at a public bike rack ($1 fee). Parking out of the 32 square mile service area will incur a $5 fee.
In addition to students receiving financial aid, Portland State University (PSU) students who do not qualify for the BIKETOWN for All program are eligible to receive a ride credit to cover up to $20 per month of casual user fees.
While BIKETOWN for All memberships do not automatically renew annually, renewal can be done online through the member’s account.
Other partners making the program possible are the Portland Bureau of Transportation, Lyft (the operators of BIKETOWN), participating affordable housing communities, social service agencies and local nonprofits serving Portlanders with low incomes.
