How to use Link Dayton bikes

Ready to ride? The familiar fleet of Green Link bikes is back on the road.

Dayton Bike Share recently redeployed the popular Green Link pedal bikes along with a new addition – eLink electric bikes. The white eLink bikes must be pedaled to engage the electric motor that assists the rider. The electric bikes – which have a maximum speed of 15 mph – can be ridden anywhere in the system service area which is detailed in the new Link Dayton Bike Share app.

“Users can unlock bikes through the Link Dayton app, which we launched in early May and is available for download,” said Bike Miami Valley’s executive director Laura Estandia.

Link offers a variety of memberships within the app for the Green Bikes and eLink Bikes with pay-as-you-go and day pass options as well as 90-day and annual memberships.

“For a quick trip, we recommend the Pay-As-You-Go pass,” Estandia said. “But for a longer bike ride, our Day Pass is the best value.”

Users start and end trips within the app, and must use the onboard cables to lock up bikes at Link’s 27 designated parking hubs. There are currently about 170-180 bikes in circulation but there is growth on the horizon with as many as 325 vehicles targeted for use at 35-40 Link hubs.

While the Link system is familiar to Miami Valley residents, Estandia has noticed a few usage changes as a result of the current health pandemic.

“We’ve noticed that morning commutes and lunchtime use are down – which makes sense with more people working from home – and we’re seeing a spike on evenings and weekends,” she said. “It’s just great to have people out and about.”

Link COVID-19 Safety Reminders

  • Be sure to wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water after using Link or wear gloves
  • Avoid touching your face after using Link
  • Avoid using Link if you suspect you are sick
  • Bring Your Own Wipes (BYOW). Though the bikes are sanitized during inspections, this ensures a clean ride for you
  • Ride with members of your household and keep a distance of 6 feet between yourself and other riders you may encounter
  • Finally, have fun! It is a bike ride after all.

About the Author