Marianne LaBarge City Councilor | Ward 6 | Northampton, MA

WARD 6

         CITY COUNCILOR

MARIANNE LABARGE
Text Box: For Immediate Release - April 9, 2025 City of Northampton Receives Grant to Relaunch and Expand ValleyBike Share Program NORTHAMPTON — The City of Northampton is proud to announce the expansion of the ValleyBike Share program, supported by a $990,000 grant awarded by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) through its Accelerating Clean Transportation for All Round 2 (ACT4All 2) initiative. This funding is part of MassCEC’s $9 million investment in equitable clean transportation solutions across the Commonwealth. Led by the City’s Office of Planning & Sustainability, this regional effort aims to strengthen and grow ValleyBike Share into a more resilient, sustainable, and accessible electric-assist bike share program. With the new funding, Northampton and, with the recent addition of Westfield, there are now 10 participating community partners (and growing), including Springfield, Holyoke, West Springfield, Chicopee, Westfield, Easthampton, Northampton, Amherst, South Hadley, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst, are advancing clean transportation options for underserved populations, especially those who lack access to reliable public transit. “ValleyBike Share is a proven tool for decarbonizing transportation while enhancing mobility, health, and access to opportunity for residents throughout the Pioneer Valley,” said Carolyn Misch, Director of Planning & Sustainability. “This investment allows us to bolster and expand the program, with a focus on reaching our most vulnerable communities.” The revitalized ValleyBike Share system will include: Expanded first/last mile connectivity to and from Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA) bus routes. New e-bike stations strategically located near affordable housing and employment hubs. Support for low-income riders through free or reduced-cost memberships, distributed with help from local partners like Valley Community Development and Community Action Pioneer Valley. A new sponsorship and development program to ensure long-term financial sustainability for the bike share system. Now under contract with Drop Mobility, a nationally experienced operator, the ValleyBike Share program is positioned to become a replicable model for clean micromobility in small- to mid-sized communities. “This is about micromobility and transportation options, not simply recreation,” shared Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra. “It’s about giving our residents—especially those in low-income or rural areas—reliable, clean, and affordable ways to get to work, school, appointments, and essential services.” The MassCEC grant supports not only operational costs over the next two years but also critical infrastructure investments and outreach efforts to promote awareness and engagement in historically underserved neighborhoods. The City of Northampton is committed to building a clean, equitable transportation future with ValleyBike Share. For more information or questions, please contact Carolyn Misch, Director of Office of Planning & Sustainability at cmisch@northamptonma.gov or 413-587-1287.   -- Office of Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra City of Northampton 210 Main Street, Room 12 Northampton MA 01060 413-587-1249 phone 413-587-1275 fax www.northamptonma.gov https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/HAwkL9VfMPpLCkha7hpAVp7ElYWGzJ8hgek2k5MdFceGZV1WiIza8i93kba5cuYjDSsSmD5AL-rVNmnwbS4lbqEwbEXiZcQfNLmg2SAjUZ0eDSqZkjgb6_C6va1ux45nB5u3SXtk