‘These are your bikes:’ City celebrates start of YoGo Bikeshare in Youngstown
After three years of planning, advocating and preparation, Ronnell Elkins and his family officially cut the ribbon on the city of Youngstown’s first electric bicycle program, YoGo Bikeshare.
The availability of e-bikes inspired the idea for YoGo Bikeshare during a trip the Elkins took to Washington D.C.
“When we talk about the revitalization of our city and what can be possible, this is what it looks like,” said Elkins. “We created this as a business and a city. This was about taking the chance and doing something different that wasn’t here before and making it something possible that everybody can enjoy and be a part of. These are your bikes.”
The YoGo Bikeshare soft launch party took place at 4 p.m. at the Youngstown Flea in downtown Youngstown. The party featured food from Big Dude’s Smoked Meats and music provided by local DJ Chip Banks.
What Youngstown officials are saying about YoGo BikeShare
City of Youngstown Mayor Jamael Tito Brown commended Elkins for his dedication to the project.
He said this wasn’t the first offer for a bikeshare program that came across his desk, but the other companies wanted to “drop off the bikes and leave.”
“You’re staying in this community, and I like that,” said Brown. “Electric bikes are good for the next generation... It’s not just for me and my children, it’s for my grandchildren. You’re onto something. I’m excited to bring bikeshare to the city of Youngstown.”
Elkins first approached his friend and first ward councilman, Julius Oliver, who encouraged him to get the Black-owned, family-run, and community-oriented operation project up and running in 2021.
“This is the proof of entrepreneurship thriving in Youngstown,” said Oliver.
Elkins thanked owner of the Youngstown Flea Derrick McDowell for letting him store the bikes and equipment inside the facility at no charge.
Elkins also thanked several community members and organizations, including Ryan McNicholas, Youngstown State University’s campus recreation director, for advocating for YoGo Bikeshare.
How do you ride YoGo bikes?
There are four YoGo Bikeshare docking stations and the electric bikes will be available to use starting this spring from 7:45 a.m. until 10 p.m. every day until winter.
Riders can purchase annual memberships or daily passes and reserve bikes at bike station kiosks or via a smartphone app.
You can download the YoGo Bikeshare app on the Apple App Store or Google Play to create an account and reserve e-bikes.
The e-bikes will be available at the following docking stations:
- By the Youngstown Flea at 5th Ave. and Federal St.
- CycWard Bike Shop at 1205 Elm St.
- West Commerce St. at Erie Terminal
- Emily Alley at the Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre
Riders can purchase annual memberships or daily passes and are asked to return bikes to the docking stations. Doing this prevents e-bikes from being left throughout the city, and users will be charged if their e-bikes aren’t properly returned to a station.
