Bike Sharing Is Changing the Way We Roll
By now, we’ve all noticed those white electric bikes lined up in various locations around the county. But how does one get started using them? Dana Turrey, Senior Transportation Planner from the Sonoma County Transportation Authority, answers a few questions about the who, what, when, where, why, and—most importantly for Sonoma County residents—the how of the new Redwood Bike Share Program.
Kary Hess: What inspired the creation of the Redwood Bikeshare program, and what are its main goals?
Dana Turrey: It began with feasibility studies by the Sonoma County Transportation Authority (SCTA) and the Transportation Authority of Marin (TAM), then developing a vision for a joint two-county grant application just before SMART rail service launched in 2017. We want to bridge the gap between transit stations and where people actually need to go, and we want to make car-free trips around town not just possible, but practical and enjoyable.
It’s important to remember that Redwood Bikeshare is currently a two-year pilot funded by a one-time grant. For the program to continue beyond this phase and potentially expand, we need strong ridership numbers combined with private sponsorships and additional government grants. Every ride helps demonstrate the program’s value to our communities.
KH: How does the program, including pricing and membership work? Are there discounts for students, seniors, or low-income riders?
DT: Redwood Bikeshare’s payment options are designed with flexibility in mind. For visitors or occasional riders, it’s simple: $1 to unlock a bike plus $0.25 per minute—perfect for spontaneous trips. For riders wanting to go a bit further outside of the hub network or explore with multiple stops, a $20 day pass provides 2 hours of ride time within a 24 period.
The best option for regular riders is the $20 monthly membership, which includes 30-minutes of free riding daily before any per-minute charges kick in. But we’re especially proud of our equity pass—it offers identical benefits at just $5 monthly for income-qualified users. We’re committed to making sustainable transportation available to everyone, regardless of financial circumstances.
KH: How does Redwood Bikeshare integrate with existing public transit in Sonoma and Marin and how do you see Redwood Bikeshare fitting into the broader transportation landscape of the North Bay?
DT: We’ve strategically placed our hubs at every SMART station from North Santa Rosa to Larkspur, the Golden Gate Ferry terminal, and key bus transfer centers throughout both counties. Redwood Bikeshare effectively extends the transit network by helping solve the “first and last mile”—those frustrating gaps that often make people choose driving over public transit. Our bikes are also perfect for those in-between trips when regular transit schedules don’t quite line up with your needs.
KH: What are the environmental and sustainability benefits of a program like this?
DT: Every bike trip represents one less car trip. By giving people an enjoyable alternative to driving, we’re reducing vehicle miles traveled and greenhouse gas emissions. The more alternatives provided, the less dependent we are on driving. The program also removes common barriers to cycling, such as maintenance, storage, and the need to transport a bicycle on transit.
KH: What steps are being taken to ensure bike safety and accessibility for all riders?
DT: Redwood Bikeshare has built safety instructions into the bikes themselves and within the app, including reminders to wear a helmet. Redwood Bikeshare has also partnered with the Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition to offer free 90-minute classes on how to safely use and navigate the system. These workshops cover everything from basic bike handling to navigating urban environments confidently.
KH: Are there plans to expand bike lanes or improve bike infrastructure to support the program?
DT: Definitely! Enhanced bicycle facilities—both on and off street—are being developed throughout our communities to support all cyclists, not just Redwood Bikeshare users. Several Sonoma County cities recently adopted updated Active Transportation Plans, while others are anticipating finalizing plans this year. Implementation is already underway for many of these improvements. What’s particularly exciting is that the trip pattern data from our Redwood Bikeshare software helps local agencies identify priority areas for infrastructure development. It’s a data-driven approach to creating safer, more connected cycling networks.
KH: How can the community support the success of Redwood Bikes?
DT: The most powerful thing you can do is simply give our bikes a try and share your experience! Jump on social media and tag @RedwoodBikeshare on Instagram—seeing real community members enjoying the system inspires others to try it too.
KH: What lessons can Redwood Bikeshare learn from other cities with successful bike-share programs?
DT: We sought electric bikes because they’re both easier to use and wildly popular. We looked for a system with the rental technology on the bikes themselves rather than in fixed hubs, increasing flexibility while reducing costs. We looked for a company that would support a local operations team that is responsive to the community’s unique needs. And we recognized that public subsidies are essential for long-term sustainability. Drop Mobility, our operating partner, embraces all these elements as core to their approach. We’re especially fortunate that Drop Mobility’s local operations manager is from Sonoma County and understands the fabric of our communities.
KH: Have you had a chance to try the bikes yet? If so, what was your experience like?
DT: I absolutely have, and they’re a blast! Over the past few weeks, I’ve used Redwood Bikeshare several times to get between my office and the train station, plus for a few lunch outings. The bikes are surprisingly fun and zippy—they turn what would be a 20-minute walk into an easy 6-minute ride.
Redwood Bike Share
Find bikes throughout Sonoma and Marin