Wheels in The Woodlands: Bike-share program offers new way to cruise town center

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- Mobike has been a huge success overseas, but is just now making its mark in North America – and The Woodlands is the first city in Texas to take the bike-sharing program for a spin.

"From day one, we were really impressed by how forward thinking everyone is around here, by how beautiful the community is, and by the active lifestyle people live around here," said Jason Wong, general manager of Mobike United States. "We think that The Woodlands is a great market to be in, and we can do a lot of good together. Today is the beginning of a long-term partnership."

The Woodlands Township Secretary Ann Snyder said the partnership with Mobike did not cost the Township anything. The only cost is to the cyclers of $1 for 30 minutes.

The bright orange and silver bikes have adjustable seats, bells, a solar-powered light and a snappy little basket on the front with a drink holder.

Mobike utilizes smart phone technology. Simply download the Mobike app, scan the QR code on the bicycle to unlock it, get to where you're going, park it, and scan the code again to lock it before the next user comes along.

The bikes are dockless, meaning they do not have to be returned to designated bike racks.

"We're hiring local people in The Woodlands to be technicians for what we call 'bike balancing,' which is simply retrieving bikes from areas they shouldn’t be in, or in low-utilization areas," said William Rub, operations manager for Mobike Houston. "We want to make sure we’re bringing the bikes back to areas where they're very visible and there's a lot of foot traffic."

The bikes are currently based at Town Green Park.

"We're starting with 50 bikes, but through a cooperative relationship with the Township, we can expand to whatever level they feel comfortable at," Rub said. "We will add bikes over time, but on a progressive basis as utilization justifies."

Snyder thinks Mobike will be popular with The Woodlands residents and visitors.

"We are a very health conscious community," she said. "This just brings it to another level."

Mobike, headquartered in China, was recently honored by the United Nations as a "Champion of the Earth" – there are only six recipients in the world - for bringing a healthier way of living to the world while reducing pollution and bringing communities closer together.

"This bike-share program has taken some time to happen but we wanted to make sure we got it right," said Nick Wolda, director of community relations for The Woodlands, and president of Visit The Woodlands. "And we think we got it right."