Cycling is not only listed in the lowest risk category in the Restore Illinois Plan, it is known as one of the most effective forms of exercise, and it is uniting cities in the Fox Valley.
The city government of Aurora launched Koloni Fox Valley, a regional bike share system with three stations in Aurora and additional stations in Elgin, Batavia, and Montgomery.
“We all know the importance of health and wellness and being active. Not only does it do the body well, it does the mind well,” said Aurora mayor Richard C. Irvin. “Biking is certainly one of the increasingly popular ways to exercise and to stay healthy. It provides an affordable opportunity to see new spaces from a different view.”
Ten Koloni bikes are available to the public across three locations, known as parking zones, in Aurora, including Water Street Mall adjacent to City Hall, 44 E. Downer Place; the Aurora Public Library, 101 S. River Street; and RiverEdge Park, 360 S. Broadway. Elgin has eight bike sites, Batavia seven, and Montgomery four.
“This program is unique and is referred to as the hybrid bike share program that allows users to dock the bikes at any bike rack at any of the parking zones in the region,” said Aurora transportation engineer Roopa Anjanappa. “With this flexibility, we hope the program will help the first mile and last mile commuters and encourage both recreational and non-recreational bike riding.”
Riders can rent a bike by downloading the Koloni app for Apple or Android.
Bikes can be rented hourly or available by monthly or annual membership.
Hourly rates are $4 for the first hour and $5 each additional hour. Monthly membership is only $10 and an annual membership is available for just $50.
Learn more at www.aurora-il.org/bikeshare.
— City government of Aurora