The joy of cycling in Alabama’s major city centers

Bike sharing is back—and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama has made it easier than ever to explore three major Alabama cities by bike.

The Blue Bikes bike share program, with bikes offered by Tandem Mobility, now has bike-sharing stations in Huntsville, Decatur, and Montgomery. Bike sharing aims to provide a mobility solution as well as an inexpensive recreational and fitness option. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, these bike share programs offer an eco-friendly, health-boosting way to explore and enjoy these Alabama cities.

Huntsville: Pedal Through the Rocket City

Huntsville boasts a robust Blue Bikes program with 10 stations and 30 active bikes available for a downtown ride. With a total of 5,830 rides and 4,530 hours of cycling logged since the beginning of 2023, Huntsville offers a bike-friendly downtown that’s ready to explore. Stations are located throughout the downtown area, making it easy to move through different parts of the city for shopping or a quick bite. The pay-as-you-go option begins at $2 for 30 minutes.

Decatur: Embrace the Scenic Trails

Decatur’s Blue Bikes program offers 3 bike share stations and 15 active bikes. With 2,201 total rides since April of last year, Decatur’s cycling community is lively and growing. Riders benefit from over 12 miles of the picturesque Dr. Bill Sims Bike Trail, and with $18 million in trail upgrades coming through the Reconnecting Communities Grant, there’s never been a better time to explore downtown Decatur. The pay-as-you-go option for Decatur starts at $2 per hour.

Montgomery: Cycle Through History and Sunshine

In Montgomery, the Blue Bikes program is flourishing with 13 stations scattered across the city. In 2023 alone, Montgomery had 513 active users and 1,026 rides, totaling 756.6 hours on the road. These bikes are perfect for both quick trips and longer explorations through Montgomery’s historic locations—riders can choose their length of time and pay by the hour. Additionally, the Montgomery Blue Bikes offer an annual membership as well as a student membership.

Participating in the Blue Bikes program is a great opportunity to embrace a healthier lifestyle, reduce your carbon footprint, and enjoy the fun of cycling. With conveniently located stations and easy access in these three Alabama cities, Blue Bikes make it simple and affordable to explore Huntsville, Decatur, and Montgomery.

This story originally appeared on SoulGrown.