Decobikes coming to Miami

Decobikes Miami to launch in six months

MIAMI – With almost 2 million riders in just two years, Decobikes are more popular on Miami Beach than pink flamingos. Soon, rental stations will be popping up in Miami, too, giving tourists and residents alike another way to get around the city.

Bonifacio Diaz of Decobike is planning to have 60 stations for Miami. There are already 100 pickup and drop off locations and 900 bikes available in Miami Beach. Each bike averages five trips a day.

"Miami Beach has embraced this mode of transportation, which is the bicycle," said Diaz.

Renters are sold on the bike-sharing program.

"It's marvelous, fantastic, great," said Carin Adlen.

"You got to see Miami Beach instead of taking like taxis or walking," said Kelley Lynch.

Decobike mechanics are tuning up the rolling stock and ordering new bikes for the expansion. An additional 600 blue and gray Decobikes are on the way.

Solar-powered stations will also spring up in downtown Miami, the Design District, Wynwood, Brickell, and Coconut Grove.

"Now we're really going to have Miami, Miami Beach and all these cities that they can interlink, they can go from point A to point B and really take advantage of what it really is, a public transportation," said Diaz.

Rides are cheap, too. Monthly passes with unlimited 30 minute rides are $15. One times rates start at 30 minutes for $4.

"I think for people that come to town that like to take a nice bike ride, it would be great," said Robert Trince.

And it's an easy way to stay fit.

"It's proven that 30 minute ride on the bicycle can help you reduce heart attack risk, so it's a really great opportunity to help the environment and yourself and get around a lot quicker," said Diaz.

Decobike Miami plans to be rolling in about six months. Company officials are also looking to hire 15 more employees and find a bigger warehouse space.