Today Howard County Executive Allan Kittleman formally launched the county’s first bikeshare program, with a network of seven stations stretching from Howard County General Hospital to Blandair Park. The system will provide 70 bikes for short term use, including both electric assist and traditional bicycles. Bikes can be reserved in person, by app or online.

The system’s website not only provides information on how to use the system, but also indicators and stats on system operations, so that everyone can “analyze and study the positive impacts Bike Share is having on Howard County.” Stats include total distance ridden, total trips, and favorite check-out and return stations.

Howard joins Baltimore City, Montgomery County, and The University of Maryland and the City of College Park in expanding bikesharing in Maryland. A map of bikeshare progams provided nationally is available here.