Suffolk officials launched the county's regional bike-sharing program on Sunday.
Bethpage Ride is already available in the villages of Babylon and Patchogue, as well as Southampton town. Officials say the program is available at 17 locations, with more locations anticipated across the county.
"Bike Share is here and ready to change the landscape of mobility and transportation in Suffolk," County Executive Steve Bellone said in a statement about the program. "We are effectively extending the reach of our existing transit system, and once out of reach locations are now within easy biking distance."
In order to participate in Bethpage Ride, users must be 18 years older. Riders have the option of returning a bike to one of the Pace docking stations, or for a $2 charge, they can lock the bike at any public bike rack or safe location. Rider support is available through the Pace Bike Sharing app, or by either emailing support@ridepace.com or calling 888-321-PACE.
Bike share stations can be found at the following locations:
Babylon:
• Babylon LIRR
• Babylon Village Pool
• Argyle Park/ Carlston Place
• Locust Avenue
• Park Avenue
• Totten Place
Patchogue:
• Patchogue LIRR
• Blue Point Brewery
• Patchogue Theatre Alley
• Roe Walkway
• Davis Park Ferry
• Mascot Dock
Hampton Bays:
• Good Ground Park
• Downtown Hampton Bays
• Tiana Beach
• Ponquogue Beach
• Shinnecock Inlet
Officials say all bike share stations will be displayed on a map in the Pace Bike Sharing app, with bike and parking availability and help getting directions to the station.
In addition to unveiling the bike docking stations, officials are promoting Car Free Day. On Sept. 20, people all over the world are encouraged to leave their cars at home and bike, carpool or walk.