Bike Share Pilot Program

After two years of planning, the City of Newburyport launched a bike share pilot program in November 2025. Newburyport Livable Streets worked with the Mayor’s Office and Department of Public Services to plan and implement this new service for residents and visitors.

Tandem Mobility is the company designated by the City to operate the program. Tandem has extensive experience with smaller bike share programs like Newburyport’s. Among other systems, Tandem operates the system in Portland, Maine, as well as Minuteman Bike Share in Concord and Acton. NLS is working closely with Tandem to monitor system performance and to address issues as they arise.

The Port Bikeshare system consists of 23 standard pedal bikes and 2 recumbent trikes, based at 5 stations along the Clipper City Rail Trail. Users pay $3.00 for up to 30 minutes of use plus 10 cents/minute after the first 30 minutes. The program also offers a monthly membership option at $30 per month, which provides 30 free minutes for each rental.

In addition to regular pedal bikes, the Market Landing Park East station has two recumbent trikes (#8619 and #8620). These are especially for those who have challenges riding a standard bike, but they are available for anyone to use.

In 2026 the system will add 20 bikes and 4 stations, thanks to a Community Challenge Grant from AARP. These additional stations will include Cashman Park, the Senior/Community Center, and Maudslay State Park.

Paying for the Pilot Program

The low cost to users is made possible by a variety of grants and donations. About two-thirds of the estimated cost of the three-year pilot program is being paid by a $180,000 federal grant. Another $13,500 has been provided by generous grants from the Coastal Trails Coalition, the Institution for Savings Charitable Foundation, the Mary Alice Arakelian Foundation, and the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation. The Newburyport Commission on Disabilities purchased the two recumbent trikes to make the system accessible to those who are unable to ride a standard bicycle. In 2026 AARP awarded the City a $15,000 Community Challenge Grant to support expansion to the planned scale of 9 stations.

NLS is continuing to work with the City and Tandem Mobility to identify and secure grants, donations and sponsorships to fully fund the pilot program. Local businesses and organizations who would like to support this initiative can find information on sponsorship opportunities at this page.