A Columbia bike share program may be moving into Lexington County, offering a pedestrian connection across the Congaree River.

West Columbia, Cayce and Springdale are participating in a bike share feasibility study, set to be finished Dec. 31, which will help determine if expanding the Blue Bike SC program used in Columbia should expand into Lexington County. 

Through the bike share program, which launched in 2018, Columbia operates 10 stations to rent bikes, both electric-assist and regular. The bikes can be rented, dropped off and charged at any station. The stations are all close to downtown Columbia, with the closest one to Lexington County sitting near the Gervais Street Bridge. The program is conducted in partnership with Bewegen Technologies and is sponsored by BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina and The COMET transit system.

According to the Blue Bike website, a single ride costs $2.16, while a monthly pass costs $21.60 and an annual pass costs $91.80.

The Central Midlands Council of Governments is conducting the feasibility study for expanding the program, both across the river and to more spots in Columbia, in coordination with the municipalities and the state Department of Transportation.

Anna Huffman, director of public relations for the City of West Columbia, told the Chronicle the three municipalities participated in the West Metro Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan, which highlighted bike sharing as an option, with linking into Columbia’s existing Blue Bike program as the most feasible strategy.

In talking about the potential Blue Bike expansion, West Columbia Mayor Tem Miles and Cayce Mayor Elise Partin both reflected on how you get a different experience when walking on foot or riding a bike through a town.

“I encourage folks to get out, walk, ride bikes, do whatever they can to be out in the community and see all that we have to offer and become more and more attached and connected to your local community,” Miles said .

Partin said the Cayce Riverwalk, which spans over 20 miles and is connected to the West Columbia Riverwalk, is one of the most beautiful places in the region, telling the Chronicle that being able to see more of it on a bicycle “is absolutely a blessing.”

“I certainly think that there's a benefit for people to have access to bikes for navigating things that they need, just to use it as an alternative mode of transportation,” Partin said. “On top of that, there's certainly a benefit to see that as additional recreational opportunities, and we are just so full of great recreational opportunities”

According to a release, the study will examine the quality of walking and cycling experience in the West Columbia, Cayce and Springdale  and how well they link homes, employment centers, businesses and transit stops, looking to  address the needs of and create safe public spaces for all users (public transit, cyclist, pedestrian and vehicular) of all ages on roads and bridges.

The study includes public input, with those who participate being able to add spots for stations and routes to an online map. The survey also solicits information on people’s bicycling preferences and public transportation habits.

Huffman said that depending on where the bike stations are located, the program could enhance the River District shared by Cayce and West Columbia while also making places like city parks, local libraries, and commercial districts more accessible to the public.

“Having a bike share presents opportunities for the city,” she said. “Apart from having another mode of transportation, [it would bring] visitors across the river to shop and dine in the city.”