Charleston’s bike share program expands into West Ashley

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Charleston’s bike share program is expanding from downtown into the West Ashley community.

Charleston Spokes, which provides e-bike sharing on the peninsula through Lime, will soon roll into West Ashley to fulfill a need for what some say are accessible and community-focused micro-mobility options.

Riders will have a chance to ride along the Greenway, bikeway, and use Lime’s bike-sharing program for errands or as part of their commute. The hope is to reduce carbon emissions and ease traffic congestion.

Leaders with the Charleston Spokes program told Charleston city leaders during a February meeting that it saw a 51% increase in ridership from 2022-23 with 62 locations and planned to expand.

After two years in the Charleston market, representatives said the addition into West Ashley is a show of Lime’s efforts to support the city’s vision of equitable bike share usage beyond downtown.

“It’s been an amazing two years in Charleston for Lime and we’re thrilled to be doubling our service area by expanding into West Ashley. We’re proud that people rely on Charleston Spokes as a way to get around the city, go to class or to work, or explore the restaurants and attractions Charleston has to offer and we’re excited about more and more riders being able to benefit from our service,” said Adriana Lopez Hernandez, Operations Manager for South Carolina and Florida at Lime.

The program is looking to launch the service this week. Community members will have an opportunity to say where they want to see bike hubs during a soft launch event on Sunday morning at Charleston Bicycle Company (1319 Savannah Highway). That event begins at 8:30 a.m.

Maps will be available so that future riders can add stickers to potential locations.