Superior Launches Bike-Share Program

Superior launched its first bike-share program this week. The city has launched the Zagster bike-share program with partners Essentia Health, Enbridge, Dairyland Power Cooperative and Minnesota Power. Each of the sponsors are providing around $9,000 to fund five bikes at four stations in the city.

Superior Parks and Recreation Director Linda Cadotte said the bike-share program shows the city is investing in alternative methods of transportation.

“On Barker’s Island, we anticipate more visitors using the bikes,” she said. “At UWS, more students using the bikes for modes of transportation – grocery store visits and so forth.”

Katherine Brunette, rehab manager for Essentia Health in Superior, said Essentia wanted to take part to promote wellness in the area.

“This bike-share opportunity provides an opportunity for people to get out and explore the community and enjoy the parks in our area,” she said. “From Essentia’s perspective, we really were just able to support wellness, which is important.”

Superior Douglas County Chamber President and CEO Taylor Pedersen said the bike program will enhance the experience of visitors to the city.

“I’ve personally done bike-share programs in other communities while I’ve visited them because – let’s be honest – you can’t see everything from a car,” he said. “I think that it will enhance the tourist experience while people are here, and I can see a lot of local residents using them as well.”

Cadotte said the program will be offered for at least two years and then it will be reassessed.