For the first time, a bikeshare program has launched on a Native American territory. LimeBike (now Lime) has partnered with the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony as part of a Northern Nevada regional partnership, including the city of Reno and the University of Nevada, Reno.
Lime launched on the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony on Friday May 18 in coordination with the other Reno-area launches as part of National Bike to Work Week. The National Bike Month launch comes after months of planning a regional effort to enhance mobility in the Truckee Meadows region, led by Bantam Strategy Group.
“Even though there are over 570 federally recognized tribes in the United States, all Native American communities traditionally are linked to our environment. Caring for Mother Earth with LimeBike fits our tribal values, plus our people get an added benefit via more exercise. Also, as an urban based tribe, reducing automobile traffic and improving the mobility of residents is very attractive," said Chairman Arlan D. Melendez, Reno-Sparks Indian Colony.
"Lime is very excited to be the first bike sharing provider to launch service in a Native American community. Core to our company mission is the notion that bike sharing should serve everyone, and we work hard to walk that talk. We look forward to collaborating with the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony to help improve mobility for all members of the colony," said Gabriel Scheer, Lime director of strategic development.
“This launch marks a major milestone for the bikeshare industry and demonstrates our continual efforts toward bringing bikeshare to all communities across North America," said Samantha Herr, executive director of North American Bikeshare Association.
“Working with the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony to bring an green, healthy transportation alternative to this tribal community marks another first for Bantam Strategy Group in the bikeshare industry, also launching the first e-bike system in 2015. Positively impacting communities with mobility choices and carrying the process forward to implementation drives our work, and it has been a great pleasure to facilitate this process with the people of RSIC," said Lindsey Gray West, president and CEO of Bantam Strategy Group.
